Wax
Credits
Direction/Concept: Daniel Riley
Choreography: Daniel Riley in collaboration with students
Composer/Song Man: James Howard
Musicians: Nemo Lynn (Bass Guitar), Matt Dooley (Drums)
Rehearsal Director: Luigi Vescio
VCA Dance Coordinator: Brianna Kell
Dancers: Brittany Capill, Lauren Doyle, Ruby English, Gabrielle Fallon, Charlotte Henderson, Emily Keane, Natalie Koch, Sarah Kosoof, Marilyn Hannah Lau, Sarscha Lewis, Molly McKenzie, Caitlin Mewett, Jessica Nicholls, Alice O'Keeffe, Amelia O'Leary, Tara Quilligan, Gemma Sattler, Ella Sibel, Janelle Yung Huey Tan
Set and Costume Designer: Amelia Lane
Lighting Designer: Ikshvak Sobti
Sound Designer: Taarani Charrett-Dunlop
Vision Designer: August Shearman
Associate Lighting Designer: August Shearman
Production Stage Manager: Olivia Walker
Deputy Stage Managers: Annie Gleisner, Jenny Le
Senior Costumier: Stephanie Sofia Lourantos
Costume Manager: Jessamine Moffett
Head Electrician: Theodore Viney
Deputy Head Electrician / Lighting Programmer: Kane Wilson
Lighting Programmer / Lighting Operator: August Shearman
Sound Programmer / Sound Operator: Taarani Charrett-Dunlop
Overview
The initial idea for this work is seeded in the celebration of the integral relationship between dancer and songman/songwoman. An important pillar of First Nations storytelling, and one that has been of interest to me in my current research and ongoing cultural practice.
This relationship was to be explored by inviting our songman, Jaadwa man James Howard, to conduct an onstage five-piece jazz ensemble, which would be driving and conducting the dancers in space. Unfortunately, due to the most recent lockdown and set of restrictions this wasn’t able to be realised, however James continues to be a presence onstage, continuing the tradition of highlighting the songman/songwoman as much as the performers.
WAX is a celebration of this incredible group of fierce women, chronicling their past three years as kin and in support of each other. Their relationships and bond is what has made their success possible, and I have no doubt, has set them all up for continual growth and expansion.
My deep thanks and admiration to them all.
yindyamarra, Daniel Rileyv
