Ellis is a painter, a sculptor, a maker of theatre, a theatre Director, an actor, a magician, a juggler, a mime, a musician, a funny man and now a teacher of creativity. He combines his wonderful inventiveness with a crazy sense of humour and a keen observation to create works of art and theatre that appeal to audiences anywhere in the world.
When he finished school, he studied full-time for 9 years straight. First he obtained a diploma in a 3 year graphic design course at the Durban Technicon. This was followed by a years post-diploma in painting and sculpture. During this year he became totally fascinated by the possibilities of theatre. So he took himself off to the University of Natal, Durban for 3 years of study, majoring in drama and each year he was awarded the merit certificate for Drama. Next came the 2 year diploma course at the international theatre school - "Ecole Jacques Lecoq" in Paris where Ellis studied theatre, movement and mime.
On returning to South Africa in 1982, Ellis started to specialize in creating physical theatre of a universal grass roots nature. For 4 years he worked with the ground-breaking, state-sponsored "LOFT" Theatre Company, creating major new works. Then for the next 4 years with Nicolas Ellenbogens internationally recognised "Theatre for Africa" Helping the company win several "fringe-first" awards at the Edinburgh Festival.
Since the early 1990's Ellis has as a independent actor, teacher and creator of theatre. For 15 of these years he teamed up with his friend and theatre collaborator, Bheki Mkhwane, together they created many original works and with the help of their business manager, Sue Clarence, they toured their unique brand of theatre all over the world.
As well as having preformed all over North America and Canada, Europe and Scandinavia, they have performed in festivals in South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand.
In his work in the movie industry, he is an award-winning actor in the films "The Angel, the Bicycle and the Chinaman's Finger" and "Paljas"
