Writer and journalist Samad Shad talk with veteran actor, broadcaster and radio presenter Lex Marinos about the history of Sydney theatre through the eyes of someone who lived it, sharing tips and tricks on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

Saman Shad is a writer, journalist, editor and playwright and has been involved with storytelling for a number of years now. She was a scriptwriter for a BBC radio drama series Silver Street for five years. She also had an afternoon play on BBC Radio. After moving to Australia Saman created a few radio programs for the ABC and established her career as a journalist. She is a regular writer for several publications including the Guardian, SMH, news.com.au and SBS, where she was an Editor for SBS Voices and recently freelanced as an Editor at NITV. She is also a playwright with works commissioned by theatres around London and Australia.

Lex Marinos attended University of NSW, receiving a BA with Honours in Drama, and also studied with renowned American acting teacher, Stella Adler. Since then he has worked in all areas of the entertainment industry as an actor, director, writer, broadcaster and teacher. As an actor has appeared with the Nimrod, APG, Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Company B, Big hART, and at many arts festivals, as well as commercial productions such as the King and I. Best known on television for Kingswood Country and The Slap. His book Blood and Circuses: an irresponsible memoir was published by Allen & Unwin. He has also written for film, television, radio, and stage and is a proud member of Actors Equity since 1970.