As the Senior Producer at BlakDance, I support the Preparing Ground project - an arts project in development throughout 2021-2023, showcasing First Nations solutions to climate justice through a new dance production and community environmental actions. This project is being developed by leading First Nations choreographers Marilyn Miller, Jasmin Sheppard and Katina Olsen across Wakka Wakka, Tagalaka, Yalanji and Kombumerri homelands.
Organisation/Company
Name: BlakDance
My Role: Senior Producer
Established in 2005 as a direct outcome of the watershed National Indigenous Dance Forum, BlakDance is a national industry organisation for First Nation contemporary dancers and choreographers. BlakDance is based on Turrbal and Yuggera Country in Meanjin (Brisbane) at the Judith Wright Centre. We are a self-determined, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation, governed by a voluntary Board and by a dedicated BlakDance Cultural Council. It is staffed by passionate, highly-skilled and committed arts professionals, and I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of it.
Rohe
I grew up in the south of England. Since arriving in Australia, I have lived as a guest on Turrbal and Yuggera lands in Meanjin/Brisbane, Bundjalung Country in the Northern Rivers of NSW and Wurrundjerri Country in Naarm/Melbourne.
How I got where I am today
I worked as a performing artist (dance and theatre) for over a decade in the UK and Europe, had a brief stint in marketing then became a producer exclusively in support of the work of contemporary dance makers in Australia.
Whānau
I'm a proud father of Rainer. He gives every day purpose.
Something cool
The First Knowledges series of books, edited by Margo Neale.
Preparing Ground
Artform: Dance
Development Status: In Development
Media Uploads
Trailer
Synopsis
Preparing Ground is a groundbreaking arts project co-directed by senior choreographers Marilyn Miller (Kukuyalanji and Waanyi), Jasmin Sheppard (Tagalaka and Kurtitjar) and Katina Olsen (Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri). It is a powerful Indigenous-led response to the environmental impacts of colonisation and climate change, showcasing First Nations-led solutions through the creation of a major new dance production.
The project was initiated in 2019, planned in 2020, and began development in 2021. Continuing into 2023, the project encompasses extended periods on Country alongside creative developments in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia ahead of premiere in late 2023/early 2024.
The artists’ repeated return to their Wakka Wakka, Kukuyalanji, Tagalaka and Kombumerri homelands is integral to the work. Through these community developments, they nurture long-term cultural exchange with their community and kin, listening to and learning from Country to engage with the millennia of First Nations knowledge in land management and cultural survival that underpin the work.
Preparing Ground produced by BlakDance
Creative Team and Crew
Co-Director / Choreographers Marilyn Miller, Jasmin Sheppard and Katina Olsen.
Samuel James (Projection Artist), Samuel Pankhurst (Sound Designer), Megan Cope (Set Designer), Karen Norris (Lighting Designer), Yolande Brown (Outside Eye) and Tammi Gissell (Outside Eye).
Producer: BlakDance
Number of People in the Touring Party
5
Previous Seasons
n/a (in development 2019-2023)
Reviews and Quotes
n/a
The Cultural Gardeners - Australian Cultural Alliance for Climate Action
Growing a nation of stewards caring for environment, arts & culture. First Nations first on every Country.
With the commitment by the new federal government to renew and reinstate the Creative Australia National cultural policy by the end of 2022, there is a perfect opportunity to complete the Arts Front 2030 work, and promote the ideas and visions for the future that people have contributed over the last five years.
The Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ) Arts Market is New Zealand's premiere event for artists, producers, presenters and industry leaders from across the performing arts sector.
Cultural Gardeners - Australian Cultural Alliance for Climate Action