Rain patters as callused fingers glide
Drifting arrives a scent of willow
Air feels too heavy for this earth
The change of rhythm changes the heart
It’s nostalgic for something I’ve never had
The tears reflect the movement to another place
They are the tangible display of regret
Airlie Benson (she/her) is a Western-Sydney based writer and actor with a passion for storytelling on both stage and screen. She holds a Diploma of Theatre & Screen (Acting) and a Bachelor of Media majoring in Film and minoring in Theatre and has trained at a plethora of institutions including Stella Adler Studio NYC, Lisa Robertson Studio LA, NIDA, STS, TAFTA, PAC and AFTRS. Her work explores the intersectional experiences of the communities she belongs to and highlights underrepresented stories including disability, neurodiversity and mental health.
This year, her play 'Intrusive Thoughts' was selected for the RAW TREATS development program presented by Subtle Nuance Theatre. She was also selected as part of the YUNGSTRS writing mentorship and residency presented by ATYP and Artology. This year she is also a part of the Theatre503 Spring Writer’s Programme based in London and was also selected for the PYT Fairfield Ensemble.
Last year she also acted in two sold-out seasons of the feminist comedy play she co-wrote, 'Tough Titties' at KXT and Factory Theatre which returned for a sold-out third season this year. Her acting credits also include ‘Laura Wingfield’ in The Glass Menagerie at The Cellar Theatre, 'Lady Macbeth’ in Macbeth and ‘Ms Linde’ in A Doll’s House at Chippen Street Theatre.
Her development programs also extend to her selection for the ‘Make It Happen’ theatre producing program presented by the National Theatre of Parramatta and Dance Makers Collective, AFTRS X Campbelltown Arts Centre 'Screen & Writing' program and Panavision’s 'Screen Trades' program.
She is currently working as an Associate Producer on the Screen Australia Tiktok series ‘Greystanes’ and teaches acting at Parramatta Actor’s Centre.