Betiel Beyin is an Eritrean-Australian storyteller working across film, stage, workshops, community spaces and now TikTok. She is one half of the writing duo behind CEEBS, a new micro-drama set to blow up the algorithm when it premieres on September 15.
Along with her writing partner Leigh Lule, Beyin has created a heartfelt and slightly unhinged short-form comedy that offers razor-sharp commentary on the corruption of power and the pressure placed on the shoulders of young people to right the wrongs of adults who refuse to take accountability.
Beyin joined Western Edge Youth Arts in 2018 and has since written and performed in numerous stage productions and written and directed short films like Triangle of Opportunities, The Rise and Fall of Bobbymaz and the IGTV series Lil Ceebs. Her work draws inspiration from the rawness, rhythms, honesty and humour of Melbourne’s west and is heavily influenced by community, young creatives and the absurdity in everyday interactions.
In this Colour Box Studio interview, Beyin discusses blurring the lines between community engagement and performance, the evolution of CEEBS and how creativity thrives in chaos, humour and trust.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Betiel Beyin and I’m an Eritrean-Australian creative working across screen, theatre and community spaces as a performer, writer, and youth worker. I’m based in Melbourne and my practice often sits at the intersection of storytelling, performance and community engagement. Whether I’m creating for stage or screen or working with young people through workshops, I’m always exploring stories that feel authentic, local and fun.
How did you start your creative practice and why?
I studied film at uni, which gave me my first real entry point into storytelling. But my creative practice really took shape when I joined Western Edge Youth Arts in 2018. There, I found a community of artists who were interested in making theatre that reflected the lives and voices of people in Melbourne’s west. I started writing, performing and facilitating workshops and realised that creativity was not only about self-expression, but also about building spaces where others could share their voices.
Where did you grow up and how has it influenced your practice?
I grew up in the West of Melbourne, and that has had a huge impact on my work. The communities, rhythms and humour has really shaped the way I approach storytelling. There’s a rawness and honesty to the stories I’m surrounded by, and I always want that to be felt in my work.
Tell us about your past creative projects. What has been your most treasured creation or a highlight so far?
Some of my past projects include writing and directing short films like Triangle of Opportunities and The Rise and Fall of Bobbymaz. On stage, I’ve co-written and performed in various Western Edge productions, and had the opportunity to facilitate programs through collaborations with Polyglot, Arts Centre Melbourne and Wyndham City Council. A highlight for me has been co-creating the IGTV mini-series Lil Ceebs, which has now evolved into the TikTok series CEEBS. It’s a rare feeling to create something with friends that feels so rooted in our lived experiences, while also being joyful, ridiculous, and loud.
Tell us about your current project.
Right now, I’m working on CEEBS, a TikTok series I co-created and perform in with my writing partner Leigh Lule. It’s about best friends Zion and Ruby running for Youth President to save their youth centre all while trying to keep their lifelong friendship intact. The show is messy, chaotic and full of humour, conspiracies and political drama, but at its heart it’s really about friendship, community and the ridiculous lengths we go to for the people and spaces we care about.
Who or what inspires your practice?
I’m inspired by my peers, especially young creatives who are telling stories unapologetically. I draw inspiration from everyday life too the random conversations, family dynamics or awkward encounters on public transport that somehow spark silly ideas. And a lot of my drive comes from community, the energy of working with young people and seeing them experiment creatively always pushes me to stay curious in my own practice.
Where do you feel most creative and why?
I feel most creative when I’m in a room with collaborators who bring a mix of chaos, humour and trust. That energy really frees me up to take risks. But also, I’ve found a lot of creativity in quiet, everyday spaces like scribbling notes on the train or transforming random videos from my laptop into fully formed scenes.
What do you hope audiences take from your work? What’s some memorable feedback you’ve received.
I hope audiences feel seen in my work, or at least feel like they’ve been invited into a space that’s honest, funny, and compelling. The best feedback I’ve ever received was someone telling me CEEBS felt like hanging out with their friends. That to me is the highest compliment when people feel connected, like they’re part of the world you’ve created.
What gets you through creative challenges or tough industry times?
I lean on my creative community. Having peers who get it, who you can laugh with, vent to and create with makes all the difference. I also remind myself that creativity doesn’t have to look the same every day – sometimes the best thing you can do is rest, or pour your energy back into community.
What future projects are you looking forward to?
Beyond CEEBS, I’m excited to keep developing stories for both stage and screen. I’d love to create more work that blurs the line between community engagement and performance, where young people especially are at the centre of the process.
Whose work are you digging at the moment?
Missnancy is fireeee!! Listen on Spotify here.
Where can we find and follow you online?
You can find me on Instagram @bb.dilla & @ceebsseries for all things CEEBS!!!
