Marrugeku Project - Stalker Stilt Theatre

Marrugeku Project

WHO
Stalker Stilt Theatre is a visual and physical performance company producing dynamic physical performance on a scale from the intimate to the spectacular.

Since its inception in the 1980’s Stalker’s explorations into explosive physical theatre and interdisciplinary processes have placed
them at the leading edge of Australian contemporary performance practice. Stalker produces the works of its co-artistic directors David Clarkson and Rachel Swain as well as the projects of the intercultural company Marrugeku. - 

WHAT
Stalker requested funding in 2008 for the initial research, development, community consultation and training stage of a new long term Marrugeku project working with 12 young performers in Broome Western Australia.

WHERE
Broome, Western Australia

WHEN
September / October 2008

WHY
The new work produced in Broome will have reflected the contemporary experience of young Indigenous, non -Indigenous and Asian- Indigenous Australians who are exposed to a semi traditional life whilst being exposed to a myriad of contemporary influences.
The project will focus on and explore what traditional stories mean to young people in a modern context.

HOW
The project was broken down into several stages including research, development, community consultation, training, treatment and production.
The community consultation stage of the project involved researching stories and content for the work being facilitated by the
Yawuru community of Broome.

These consultations will follow onto two training sessions with twelve young people in Broome focussed on stilt and contemporary dancing which in turn lead to eight of the twelve young performers being selected for the production stage.

The project co directors will workshop the concepts for the production to treatment stage resulting in a clear outline to seek further funding for the production premier and touring in 2012.

This Case Study was originally produced by the Australia Council's Community Partnership Section as documentation of its Project Development initiative.
The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body.
It supports and promotes excellence in the arts and community engagement with them. www.australiacouncil.gov.au

Download the PDF of this Case Study here.