Gideon D. Wilonja

Notes

Gideon D. Wilonja is a Congolese-born actor, writer, and director based in Naarm/Melbourne. A multidisciplinary creative force, his work sits at the intersection of theatre, fashion, and film, blending visual storytelling with emotional precision and a fearless exploration of identity. In 2025, Wilonja wrote, directed, and starred in his critically acclaimed play I Met an Angel Named Jacques, praised by both audiences and industry for its bold storytelling and magnetic performances. Beyond the stage, he continues to expand his creative reach, most recently styling and creative-directing a premium runway for Melbourne Fashion Week, one of the festival’s standout highlights. As the founder of Mwangaza Theatre, Australia’s first African-led theatre company, Wilonja has established himself as a dynamic voice reshaping the country’s cultural landscape. His earlier work Do Black Boys Go to Heaven? received critical acclaim, and his reimagining of Bare: The Musical with an all-Black cast cemented his reputation as a boundary-breaking storyteller. Currently, Wilonja is developing an original television series with a major streaming network, continuing his mission to amplify Black and queer voices through intimate, visually arresting narratives that challenge convention and celebrate self-expression.