Peter Wilson

Lecturer
Puppetry

Peter Wilson (puppeteer/director/writer) began his career in puppetry in 1975 and within two years, had co-founded Handspan Theatre in Melbourne, Australia. He has worked with most major puppet companies. In 1985, Peter attended a three month stage at the L'nstutut International de la Marionette in Charleville Mezierres, France, under the direction of Philippe Genty.

His association with internationally acclaimed director, Nigel Triffitt, include productions of The Fall of Singapore, Mommas Little Horror Show and Moby Dick. In 1993, Peter moved to Canberra as Artistic Director for Company Skylark. While there, he created a wide range of successful works for both children and adults including Wake Baby, Twinkle Twinkle Little Fish and Inside Dry Water.

In 1997, Peter was awarded the Sidney Myer Performing Artists of the Year award for his contribution to puppetry in the performing arts. In 2000, Peter directed the 'Nature' segment for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Opening Ceremony. Also in 2003, Peter directed two successful works in Japan. Both productions have had international exposure.

Peter has recently completed his first book on puppetry, entilted The Space Between - the Art of Puppet and Visual theatre in Australia over the past 20 years. Since 2004, Peter has developed the Postgraduate Diploma and Masters in Puppetry for the Victorian College of the Arts. This is the first university course in Puppetry in Australia.

Peter directed The National Australia Day performance at World Expo in 2005.

Recent achievements:

Segment Director for Opening Ceremony- 2006 Commonwealth Games. Melbourne.
Segment Director and Director of Scenic Animation-Doha-Asia Games, Qatar 2006
Director Citrawarna-Colours of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, May 2007
Director 12 Zodiac-China Children's Art Theatre-2007/08