November 18. 2020

The beautiful opportunity that was the First Night residency in July 2021, was a time of deep reflection, an unveiling of core beliefs and a chance for me to ask questions.

As this was my first residency as a choreographer, I wanted to fuel my curiosity and throw some questions wildly out into the space to see what would stick… not knowing if anything would land at all. This was not all shiny and rainbows, so I would like to take a moment to irrevocably thank my beautiful collaborators for their dedication and support during this massive voyage of growth for me as an artist. Ash, Jen, Erin, Liesel, Cora and Jade – Thank you all so very much. I fell in love with all of you during this residency and will forever be grateful for your presence in this world. 

For me, the questions that began my investigation related to a strong curiosity around what it was that made someone believe in something. What made something true and convincing? What ignited and sustained faith?

In my pages and pages of notes and reflections, this enquiry came in many forms, and appeared time and time again a bit like this…

·      What are the facets of the inner human instinct, an innate knowing that dictates whether something is right or wrong ? Can this inner-compass be damaged or set off-kilter? 

·      Why do some people grasp onto systems or trains of thought so willingly, while others find fault or fallacy? 

·      Does our desperation or desire to believe in something intensify with the gravity of the situation? 

·      Are we less likely to question something when we feel threatened, or if it is a matter of life or death? 

·      Why do beliefs divide us so?

·      What defines a cult or a group of believers?…

·      What is the difference between a cult, religion, or conspiracy?

·      Is that gut feeling that you “just know” something to trust or a kink in the matrix?

·      What is truth and are we all looking for the truth? Are there many?

The challenge was not in coming up with more questions… but discovering whether they could be explored with the body. I felt a bit like a scientist, taking an idea that was very much rooted in philosophy, and planting it somewhere foreign, to see if it could grow in new soil.

 To witness and feel the digestion and comprehension of these questions in the flesh of the body. 

The more I listened to this “gut instinct,” the stronger and more robust this line of enquiry became.  

Some seeds really did grow and ripen into fleshy jewels, and I have a lot of fond memories and gratitude for this beautiful time of collaboration and intimacy.

This project occurred during a time of deep questioning…

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I’ve been wondering what it is to believe in something.

What is that one thing that tips you over the edge, to convince you that something is the worthy of your faith.

But then the mind is a powerful thing. I can fool myself into believing that I need another piece of brownie because I deserve it. Or maybe it’s to believe that everything will be ok in the end, you only need to get through another year, or week or day…

But is that truth? 

What is the truth? Is your truth different to my truth? 

Are we even different on the bigger scale of things? 

Are we not made of the same essence of life? 

The juice of nature that runs through the veins of every living thing? 

Are you a sceptic? Do you question things?...

Are you a dreamer….

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Huge thanks to the Judith Wright Centre for being our home for a month and providing a refuge for five hungry (and then very much fed to satisfaction) artists…