Oliver Ayres

Artist

Theatre and Performance, Interdisciplinary practice, Access Co-ordinator · Thornbury, VIC

Oliver Ayres (he/him) is a critically acclaimed disabled trans actor, theatremaker and community leader.
He is best known for original works ‘I’m Ready To Talk Now’ and ‘No Seasons’. Oliver was the inaugural recipient of Theatre Network Australia’s ‘Change Maker’ award. His other awards include ‘Best Experimental Work’ and ‘Access and Inclusion Award’ with Melbourne Fringe. He was a 2025 finalist in the Transgender Victoria Awards for Creative Excellence.

About their work

Oliver works at the intersection of theatre, performance art and gallery installation.

ADNA acknowledges the lived and living experience of people with disability and their family members, carers and supporters.

We recognise the huge contribution people with lived and living experience make to ADNA's work, disability advocacy, and arts and culture in general.

ADNA uses ‘person-first language,’ emphasising the person, not the disability. As a disability-led organisation, we also embrace ‘identity-first’ language, acknowledging disability as identity.

ADNA acknowledges the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We honour their Elders past and present. We cherish the richness of First Nations peoples' artistic and cultural expressions.