Elin Danielsen (director of Hangen Til…) has formed a smashing group of artistic people to explore “the waiting room before death” aka a nursing home. Among the group are a; poet, electronic artist, video artist, musician, choreographer, costume & set designers and performers (of which I am one).

The project has received substantial funding support from the Norwegian Arts Council. After a five week creative development process, there will be a two week season as part of the Tromsø International Literature Festival.

It’s going to be a very special trip! I can’t wait to return to Norway and re-connect with all the wonderful people I was lucky enough to work and play with when I lived there for two years, and also to be a part of a cutting-edge new work which crosses all boundaries of culture and language.

Now I better go and practise my Norwegian…

As you may remember at the Melbourne Fringe Festival last year ,“Six Women Standing in Front of a White Wall” won the Gasworks development award. This month director, Chenoeh Miller, is creating her new show “Cordelia” during a three-week development at the Gasworks. We’re all looking forward to immersing into the creative process with an exciting cast (which includes men this time). I’m working backstage and liking the idea of putting on the blacks and radio headset for a change.

Here’s the press release;

CORDELIA
A thrilling hybrid performance spectacular

The individual versus family. Love versus duty. CORDELIA delves deep into the complexities of human relationships.

Little Dove creates a timeless new world of song and dance amidst a unique story inspired by characters from Shakespeare’s KING LEAR.

“Maybe we shall let her go, to freedom and true love – to leave behind her dark foundation…”

THIS CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT SHOWING IS FREE AND BY INVITATION ONLY. TO REQUEST AN INVITATION PLEASE EMAIL chenoeh@littledove.com.au

I have a dear friend performing in Lawyers, Drugs and Money as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival at the moment.

I saw it in the first week and it was a tight, fast-paced show with a really strong ensemble. Refreshing to see some Australian humour intermingled with a story and characters most can relate to. In fact, one character was so strong I found it difficult to look at him. Apparently he’s a really nice guy “in real life”!

Congrats Emily on performing such evocative characters, it was impossible to look at anyone else onstage with such beauty.

See Laywers, Drugs and Money at La Mama until April 25th.

2 Dimensional Life of Her

La Petite Mort – The Orgasm

La Petite Mort – The Orgasm is a raunchy cabaret romp through sex and sexuality.

“A truly original, delightful, accomplished show, another of the shows that remind you why you love the Fringe so much.” The Scotsman.

Hamlet Apocalypse

A group of actors stage Hamlet the night the world ends. As the reality of the situation sets in, the play, the characters and the actors break down to the simplest of human states as they attempt to reconcile their lives in the face of a dying world.

I’ve crossed paths or worked with artists from each of these shows and have so much respect for the incredible art they’ve created. Keep going my friends.

• Best Dance Award &
• Gasworks Award (in-kind $3000)

(View here)

Not to mention the awards from Edinburgh Festival in 2007…

• Herald Angel Award Winner
• Scotland on Sunday Best Director
• Total Theatre Award Nominee

We are thrilled to have received these and look forward to using the Gasworks Professional Development Award to create a new production in 2010!

I wonder what exciting path we will take next.

Little Dove is delighted to announce that we will be bringing our acclaimed Butoh Live Art work Six Women Standing In Front Of A White Wall to the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2009! We would love to see you all there, so please start spreading the word to those you love, those you like a lot, or even just the lady at the cornerstore with the crinkly smiley eyes…

Browse Little Dove’s website to read the stunning reviews from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and bio’s for the performers.

*Please note that bookings are essential as there is limited audience capacity!

Northcote Town Hall
Ph: (03) 9481 9500
www.northcotetownhall.com.au

Melbourne Fringe Festival
Ph: (03) 9660 6666
www.melbournefringe.com.au

This is such a beautiful experiential performance, I cannot wait to be a part of it again. Won’t you join us?

Only yesterday some fellow drama teachers and I were discussing how drama in schools may or may not connect to the greater arts community. Does the VCE structure set aspiring actors and directors up for the arts industry? Is it too outcomes-based?  How can we make theatre which connects to gen y? Or conversely how do gen y make theatre?

I feel passionate about public programs between schools and companies such as Arena Theatre. Not only do they enhance learning experiences but also illustrates to students that there are many ways of expressing ones values and dare I say opening up one’s identity.

Well now they’re touring another award winning show here in Australia. The name of the show: Once and for all we’re gonna tell you who we are so shut up and listen (am I attracted to shows with long titles I wonder). It’s sounding like an energetic show with its “frank view of 13 youngsters who are at once rebellious, aggressive, vulnerable, cool, childlike, and sometimes surprisingly adult.”

Perhaps it’s just me doing some research into the minds of teenagers, will it help me in the classroom? Sure.

I’ve recently found a new arts venue: Incinerator Arts Complex, in Moonee Ponds Melbourne. It’s an interesting building, built in 1929 as a collaboration between architect Walter Burley Griffin & engineer John Boadle.

They have an upcoming exhibition which I look forward to. “aRtECYCLE is an exhibition of indoor and outdoor temporary sculptural artworks specially created in response to the building and grounds of the Walter Burley Griffin designed Incinerator Arts Complex.

Inspired by the extraordinary architectural, philosophical and spiritual influences of Sir Walter Burley Griffin and his collaborator Marion Mahony Griffin, as well as the venue’s historical significance as an active incinerator that used the reverberatory system of waste disposal, all aRtECYCLE artworks are made of, or inspired by, recycled materials, salvaged waste, junk, flotsam and jetsam, debris, or saved, found, retrieved and reclaimed objects.”

Wednesday 13 May to Sunday 24 May

In the arts industry it’s often difficult to get the rightful recognition and pay for ones work. Danielle Killick’s stunning and craftful new Six Women costumes are likely to gain her the recognition she deserves. One can’t ignore the pure creativity and time spent on these unique designs. Not to mention how lushfully soft and flexible they are (perfect attributes for performing in). I’m sure Danielle is set to continue on the path of designing beautiful costumes and clothing both in and out of the arts industry.

Click here to see Danielle’s Yellow Mule Collection.