The long-awaited premiere of Momentum was unveiled to an enthusiastic audience at Arts Centre Melbourne in September as part of Alter State Festival.
Image: Anso Swann Biguet and Tarn Scully wall running on the Arts Centre Melbourne’s exterior. Credit: Kate Disher-Quill.
This critically acclaimed public performance, two years in the making, gave both audiences and passersby a front row seat to contemporary circus performed by our Inclusive Circus Ensemble who activated the surrounds and external building of the Arts Centre’s iconic building.
Image (left to right): Momentum performers Vivienne Halat, Dr Melinda Smith OAM, Emma J Hawkins and roya the destroya. Credit: Kate Disher-Quill.
This eclectic ensemble of disabled and non-disabled artists came from a variety of practices spanning circus, dance and theatre. Co-directors Jo Dunbar and Tarn Scully, both who have worked for decades in theatre and circus with deep roots in the intersecting worlds of arts and disability worked with the team using collaborative art making models exemplified by Weave Movement Theatre, Back to Back, Rawcus, and the UK’s renowned Extraordinary Bodies.
Image: Dr Melinda Smith and Anso Swann Biguet performing with Melinda’s wheelchair rigged to swing from the top of the walkway. Credit: Kate Disher-Quill.
Wall running, globe walking, tissu slings and wheelchairs rigged from the top of walkways were brought to life through beautiful choreographed movement sequences and an accompanying soundscape designed by Sharyn Brand that audiences could listen to via headsets.
Image (left to right): Emma J Hawkins globe walking between the Forward Surge public sculpture by Inge King, and Vivienne Halat performing in aerial sling rigged from the walkway. Credit: Kate Disher-Quill
This was an epic project. We are so proud of every single person involved in the creation of this ambitious and vital work. Congratulations to the Co-directors, performers, producers, designers, crew and all volunteers who made Momentum come to life.
Image (left to right): Momentum cast Vivienne Halat, Tarn Scully (featuring baby Oaka on lap), Dr Melinda Smith OAM, Anso Swann Biguet, Emma J Hawkins, and roya the destroya. Credit: Kate Disher-Quill.
Check out the video trailer…
Thanks to our partners Arts Centre Melbourne, Metro Tunnel Creative Program, and Besen Family Foundation for making this project possible.
