Key Points
- Ezra Juanta, a Filipino-Australian singer, actor, puppeteer, and skilled storyteller, will star in Grug and The Rainbow, which will be held at the Sydney Opera House until December 22, 2024.
- He attended acting school in Adelaide for three years and has since performed in various productions across Australia and around the world, including in China, London, the USA, and Canada. He currently works as Captain Starlight for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Ezra has also performed in Beep, Rumpelstiltskin, The Wizard of Oz (Windmill Theatre Company), and Chalkface (State Theatre Company South Australia). He was one of the lead puppeteers in the television series Beep and Mort, which was based on the stage production Beep.
- In addition to acting and singing, Ezra plans to venture into directing. Above all, he hopes to inspire young Filipinos who aspire to enter the entertainment industry. Grug and the Rainbow marks his third production at the Sydney Opera House.
Both sides of the family of Filipino-Australian singer, actor, puppeteer, and photographer Ezra Juanta come from a lineage of artists.
His mother hails from Cebu, while his father is from Pampanga.
However, despite their artistic background, some family members initially opposed his decision to attend acting school in Adelaide.
“They were worried because, as they say, being an artist doesn’t always guarantee stable opportunities. They wanted me to have stability, but when I succeeded, they were happy,” the actor-singer shared.
According to Ezra, a few members of his family were initially hesitant about his decision to attend acting school. However, after witnessing his passion, dedication, and success, his family gave him their full support. His father is from Pampanga and his mother is from Cebu, both of whose families are artists. Credit: Ezra Juanta
“I’ve traveled multiple times and done different things through acting. With Windmill, I’ve been able to go to the USA, Canada, London, and China.”
With the success he now enjoys as an artist, Ezra believes his Filipino heritage plays a significant role.
“I think Filipinos are always joyful; we create and spread happiness to others. That has helped me become a better actor, and I believe it made me more employable.”
Ezra Juanta played the Lion in The Wizard of Oz, a Windmill Theatre Company production. Credit: Windmill Theatre Co.
“I learned Tagalog by listening. I can’t write it, but I can understand and speak it—though I just need more practice,” he shared.
Ezra Juanta during Beep and Mort Series 2. Credit: Claudio Raschella
“Actually, when we went to London, it was during Christmas and New Year, so I decided to throw a Nochebuena.
I invited the entire cast and crew, and in the hotel foyer, I cooked adobo and lumpia. Everyone else brought something to share. We stayed up until midnight, exchanged gifts, and celebrated together. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my culture,” the artist shared.
[Bottom centre] Ezra Juanta during the Rumpelstiltskin theatre play. A Windmill Theatre Company Production. Credit: Windmill Theatre Co.
Ezra was also one of the lead puppeteers in the television series Beep and Mort, which was based on the stage production Beep.
In addition, he wrote a one-man show titled Blood, Sweat, and Karaoke.
“It’s about first-generation Australians and their children. Basically, the character is on a journey of searching for and discovering who he is. The story is set in a boxing ring, and every round represents a pivotal moment in his life that shaped who he became,” he explained.
The casts of The Wizard of Oz. Ezra played the Lion. Credit: Tony Lewis
Grug and the Rainbow introduces children to concepts of nature, colors, and curiosity, helping nurture their imagination and learning.
“My role here involves being one of three performers in the cast. The three of us take turns narrating the story from the picture books and puppeteering Grug and his friends.
We bring these stories to life with a touch of magic, fun, dancing, and play. It’s a gentle and enjoyable way for children and parents to experience theatre,” Ezra shared.
Ezra and Grug at the Sydney Opera House. Credit: Windmill Theatre Co.
“If the kids see it, they could actually believe it and grow up thinking, ‘I could do that, I could be that.’ That’s the biggest and proudest thing I think about being a part of this.
Being creative doesn’t cost you anything, so I believe that we, Filipinos, dream big. This is what I’m meant to do… Filipinos should have representation. Hopefully, I can help champion others—whether they’re fellow Filipinos or people from other cultures—who want to be creative.”
