Adongwot Manyoul is a South Sudanese multi-disciplinary creative, community arts practitioner and thought leader whose work strives to create safe spaces for impactful discussion. Whether podcasting, MCing, filmmaking or facilitating workshops, Manyoul uses her voice as a way to engage and connect with audiences and communities.
As a consultant to organisations, her workshops bring education and creativity together, combining topics such as cultural safety and anti-racism strategies with poetry, music and performance. Across the board, her practice aims to break down the impact of systemic injustice and challenge cultural stereotypes.
In this Colour Box Studio interview, Manyoul reflects on producing the short film The Real Mums of Sunshine with South Sudanese community, finding inspiration in dreams and her upcoming podcast, a collaboration with her sister.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Adongwot Manyoul. I am a South Sudanese Australian woman, sister, daughter, community activist, academic, and creative. As a multi-disciplinary practitioner, I use my voice in various forms, including comedy, MCing, film production, and community engagement and facilitation.
How did you start your creative practice and why?
Someone once said, “Creative mediums are a Western construct. We are art; every part of us, everything we do and say is a form of art.” While I cannot pinpoint a specific creative practice, I can say that my voice is my superpower.
As a podcaster, MC, and conversationalist, I use my voice to bring people together through various mediums. This approach informs my recent work as co-producer and actor in the short film production of an intergenerational dialogue, “The Real Mums of Sunshine.” It also includes my podcasting and radio work, my involvement in stand-up comedy, and more. I am my creative practice.
Where did you grow up and how has it influenced your practice?
As a South Sudanese woman who grew up in Australia, I faced hardship through racism and discrimination, which involuntarily made me an advocate from a very young age. I learned that words have the power to either uplift or break you. I have witnessed and experienced the impact of systemic injustice, and I have discovered the power of using my voice to stand up for myself and others. Through speaking out, I aim to influence, change minds, break down barriers, and bring people together.
Tell us about your past creative projects. What has been your most treasured creation or a highlight so far?
My proudest creative project to date is the successful completion of the short film “The Real Mums of Sunshine.” After three years and several iterations, what was initially intended to be a live production evolved into a filmed production due to COVID-19. “The Real Mums of Sunshine” creatively brought together young South Sudanese individuals and South Sudanese mothers to engage in difficult conversations on topics such as dowry, gender roles, cultural preservation, and integration—issues that have often caused a disconnect between generations.
Although most of the conversations were authentic, the simplicity of creating characters by changing our names allowed us to step outside ourselves and engage in tough discussions that are usually nearly impossible to have with our elders. This experience demonstrated to me the power of dialogue through creative mediums. As a conversationalist, I have mastered the art of de-centring myself from my work, whether creative or academic, to overcome the fear of being overexposed.
Tell us about your current project.
I am currently working with an organisation to develop and deliver workshops aimed at educating young people about racism, cultural safety, and anti-racism strategies. These workshops heavily intersect with education, wellbeing, and the creative arts, incorporating elements such as song and poetry writing, role plays, and visual arts.
Who or what inspires your practice?
Every encounter, interaction, challenge, and triumph, both individually and as part of a multicultural collective in Australia, has shaped my practice and fuelled my advocacy through various creative avenues. The common thread in my work is encouraging and inspiring others to speak their truth.
Where do you feel most creative and why?
My greatest creative inspiration often comes to me while I am asleep and dreaming. Over the years, my dreams have consistently delivered messages, ideas, and solutions. When I’m awake, I maintain a regular meditation practice. This practice has been essential for me as someone who tends to have an overactive mind; through meditation, I’ve found that insights and new directions often surface from the depths of my subconscious. This combination of dream-inspired creativity and reflective meditation not only guides me in personal growth but also fuels my innovative approach to creative endeavours.
What do you hope audiences take from your work?
I want to convey to everyone that art transcends specific mediums. It encompasses the way we move through the world, how we communicate with others, our ability to listen deeply, our capacity to see beauty in the ordinary, our emotions that guide us, our thoughts that shape our reality, and our understanding of ourselves and others. In essence, every aspect of our existence is a form of art—a continuous expression of creativity and humanity.
What gets you through creative challenges or tough industry times?
As a practitioner, I deeply believe in the concept of Ubuntu— the idea that ‘I am because we are’. When facing creative challenges, being around people who inspire and provide perspective on why I pursue my work is invaluable to me. Dealing with severe imposter syndrome, I find solace in surrounding myself with supportive voices that counteract the negative inner dialogue. This community helps drown out doubts and reinforces my sense of purpose and belonging in my creative journey.
What future projects are you looking forward to?
I’m eagerly anticipating the launch of a podcast project with my younger sister. Together, we’ll delve into themes like sisterhood, relationships, family dynamics, womanhood, pop culture, and tradition. Our discussions will explore how these elements intersect with our identities as both Gen Z and Millennials. Drawing from our cultural heritage and upbringing, we aim to provide a blend of insights that merge modern Australian influences with our traditional roots, all delivered with a healthy dose of humour.
Whose work are you digging at the moment?
One visual artist whom I deeply admire is photographer Atong Atem. Her work resonates profoundly with me as a South Sudanese woman. The meticulous attention to detail in her self-portraits captures the essence of our culture and evokes a range of emotions that feel intimately connected to my experiences. Currently, her work is showcased at the NGV.
Where can we find and follow you online?
Follow me on Instagram @admanyoul | facebook @AD Manyoul | LinkedIn: Adongwot Manyoul
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