Yorta Yorta and Chinese actor Tyallah Bullock, who stars as Savannah in The Heartbreak Choir at Ensemble Theatre, credits acting as a transformative force in their life.

They revealed their journey began in childhood, shaped by anxiety.

A pivotal moment came during a Grade 6 improv class when they discovered a new version of themselves through performance.

"I felt the most safe and comfortable version of myself," they said, recalling the moment they put on a wig during the class.

"My teacher said, 'I should do this for a living.'"

From that point, they immersed themselves in the craft.

"I started doing as many works as possible... and it's only locked in with me the last couple of years how much my culture influences the way I see the worlds I'm in as characters."

Bullock was immediately drawn to The Heartbreak Choir because of its themes of connection and chosen family.

"The Heartbreak Choir is an honest and beautiful story about the power of connection, forgiveness, and family," they said.

For them, the story's focus on finding family through friendships deeply resonated.

"I was drawn to it for mainly the finding family through friends—finding your mob and your people that aren't necessarily blood-related but connected to you," they said.

"I think it's a huge part of the narrative, and that's what drew me towards the text."

Bullock describe the production process as one rooted in discovery and collaboration.

"Everyone is so beautiful and honest," they said of their castmates.

"From day one, it's been about discovery, being challenged, and moved."

They also praised director Anna Ledwich's approach.

"Anna is such an explorative and curious director, and she allows the actors to hold space and have value in our voices," Bullock said.

As for their character, Savannah, they hope audiences leave with new perspectives.

"In terms of Savannah, looks and energy isn't always the case for who a person is," Bullock said.

They believe the play will challenge preconceived notions.

"I think they [the audience] come out feeling very different about the people that Savannah represents," Bullock said.

At its core, The Heartbreak Choir is about healing.

"I think the main thing they will take away is forgiveness," Bullock said.

The Heartbreak Choir runs from 29 November 2024 to 12 January 2025 at Ensemble Theatre, offering audiences a story of community, friendship, and the healing power of music.