Obed Wallis - Directing Anastasia

“The Lord himself goes before you…” - Deuteronomy 31:8

If you’d told me as a fresh faced (yet somewhat pimply) student graduating from Waverley that in little more than six years I would be back to direct that year's Musical, I would’ve laughed and said why not sooner! 

Anyone who knows me knows the significance of Waverley’s Performing Arts Community to my story. In the turbulence of teenage years, that community was a holy and loving place that kept me grounded. When my faith was tested in school and since graduating, it was the seeds of faith planted by those holy men, women and peers that kept me pursuing God. 

But time went on and like all of us, I had to leave that community. God opened new doors and took me through a crucible of faith and artistic skill at the Victorian College of the Arts (The University of Melbourne). Step after step, day after day, God led me through the challenges that university, graduation and the beginnings of a career would bring. 

And so, to find myself back where it all began in 2021 to Choreograph ‘Seussical’ and in 2023 to Co-Direct ‘Anastasia’ is both an honour and a meaningful privilege. 

You may think my story is an anomaly, but our production is overflowing with talented, passionate and Spirit filled alumni from a plethora of era’s (Hadassah Wallis our Choreographer, Amie Zwag our Musical Director, Josh Molyneux our Technical Director, Esther Donker our Props Coordinator, Emily Rayside in our costume team) and all of us are praying, seeking and serving so that the gift we received would be poured out on this new generation. What a blessing to have such a legacy. 

So, what can I say of the experience of returning to Direct ‘Anastasia’? It has been surreal, joyful, challenging, monumental, meaningful and a gift I will always treasure. This cast has shown more dedication than I remember seeing in years, this creative team has shown more expertise than I can describe, and this staff have given more support than I could have ever asked for. Do yourself a favour and book a ticket. A show steeped in Waverley’s rich spiritual legacy; ‘Anastasia’ will not be a show to miss.

Obed Wallis

Wantirna South Musical Co-Director

Ticketing Link: trybooking.com/CIEPV