Official newsletter of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University (Issue 50) November 2017

PHANTOM REVISITED Ben Lewis steps back into lead role

GLOBAL REACH New international partnership

DYNASTY and James Mackay DEFYING GRAVITY 30th Birthday

PLUS WAM awards and much more

Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Page 1 PHANTOM REVISITED GLOBAL REACH BEN LEWIS HAS STEPPED BACK INTO A MUSICAL THEATRE LEAD ROLE HE KNOWS WELL AN EXCITING NEW In September, WAAPA alumnus Ben production of The Phantom of the Opera. “I think they know that I think deeply about Lewis took over the title role in the West End Alexander was playing Raoul and understudying my work and they are all very respectful of my PARTNERSHIP OPENS production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The The Phantom and Ben was there to applaud process and don’t try and get in the way of that.” INTERNATIONAL DOORS Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre his brother the first time he went on in the title He admits that having played The Phantom in London. role. After starting his career so successfully in before has definitely been an advantage, both FOR WAAPA STUDENTS He is joined in the long-running production by musical theatre, Alexander is now forging an in terms of the emotional connection and the new partnership between Edith Cowan another WAAPA graduate: Amy Manford, who international career as an opera singer. physical demands of the part. University (ECU) and a top international plays the alternate Christine Daaé. “I was probably more nervous than he was “I’ve always felt a connection with the conservatoire is giving music students the In her final year at WAAPA, Manford was and spent the whole show just watching him, character which helps, but I always take my A chance to study in England or learn from the best so I don’t remember much else about the Sicari applied to RNCM for her awarded the prestigious Barbara MacLeod strength and confidence from my preparation,” teachers in the world, right here in Perth. Scholarship for Most Outstanding Female experience,” recalls Ben. “He did an awesome he says. “More often than not, I feel like if I am postgraduate studies because of the range In August, ECU and the Royal Northern Classical Student. She then moved to London job though and I was super proud!” diligent with my work, detailed, and curious, of performance opportunities on offer: self- College of Music (RNCM) signed a Memorandum to complete postgraduate study at The Royal Both brothers graduated from WAAPA in 2004 then the rest takes care of itself. devised lunch time recitals, opera scenes, of Understanding (MoU) which will pave the College of Music, graduating recently with a and are the sons of acclaimed opera singers opera production auditions and external “However there is a comfort that comes from way for student and staff exchanges, short Masters of Performance in Vocal Performance. Patricia Price, WAAPA’s current Head of Vocal opera company residencies/mentorships. understanding some of the technical aspects of course and placement opportunities, knowledge Studies, and Michael Lewis, who teaches “I wanted to go to a place that would Manford has performed internationally as a the work. Wearing the mask, prosthetics, wig etc. sharing, research collaboration and joint sessionally at WAAPA. show me what was expected of me in a soloist with the London Handel, London Cello can be quite a shock and an adjustment, but for performance projects. and the Perth Symphony Orchestras. She has Amy Manford studied at WAAPA with Patricia me it has felt so familiar and that has probably professional company,” she explains. “I was ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman sung at iconic venues such as the Seoul Arts Price. When Lewis met Manford on the first day made the transition from rehearsal room to stage so pleased that RNCM offered me a place said the partnership would give WAAPA students Center in South Korea and at Buckingham of Phantom rehearsals: “I was like, ‘Oh, you a lot easier this time round.” on their course and I feel I’ve grown as an access to RNCM’s internationally renowned Palace for the Prince of Wales. studied with my mum!’” artist here. Lewis also points out how isolating the role teachers as well as facilitate knowledge sharing “RNCM is known for its friendliness and Playing the alternate Christine marks the It’s been just over five years since Lewis and can be, as the only other person The Phantom between the two institutions. 24-year-old singer’s West End debut. Manford his wife Melle Stewart – they met while studying shares the stage is with the actress playing welcoming nature, this is absolutely true and “It also opens the door for students from Perth performs Christine twice a week, alternating with at WAAPA – moved from to London Christine. So Lewis makes a point of touching it made such an impact on my time here. The and Manchester to study at either world-class another actor because of the extreme demands to pursue their musical theatre careers. Ben base with the other members of the company as people I’ve met here have inspired me and I school and broaden their horizons,” Professor of the part, which include 11 dress changes, all describes the English capital as a tough town but much as possible. ven before this important partnership have learnt many important lessons from the Chapman said. between WAAPA and RNCM was teachers and guest artists who have visited with corsets, elaborate dance moves, including “the creative rewards are there if you are willing “The cast and the crew are wonderful and it is E RNCM Principal Professor Linda Merrick said formalised, the Manchester conservatoire the College.” climbing ladders, and wearing a skirt that weighs to stick it out”. a pleasure to walk into Her Majesty’s each and the RNCM is constantly seeking new and exciting has for many years been a highly sought- more than 8kg for her opening number. Stewart recently starred in another of Andrew every day,” he says. Sicari is also a talented jazz singer. For just opportunities to enhance the experience it offers to after post-graduate destination for WAAPA’s over a year she has been the lead vocalist in Ben Lewis comes to the role of The Phantom Lloyd Webber’s musicals, By Jeeves at the Old So what does it take to get a lead role in a both students and staff. Classical Vocal graduates. Dani Sicari and The Easy Rollers, a seven- after playing the same character in a different Laundry Theatre in the Lake District and directed musical on the West End? Lewis offers this “Our professional partnerships with other world- Following their undergraduate training at piece vintage jazz band made up of RNCM show – the original Australian production of Lloyd by the show’s lyricist, Sir Alan Ayckbourn. advice for budding performers: class providers who share our passion and ethos WAAPA with Head of Classical Voice, Patricia musicians. They have been steadily building Webber’s sequel, Love Never Dies in 2011. Coming from such a high-profile performing “Just work hard. Put your phone down and are integral to realising this ambition. Price, sopranos Samantha Clarke and a reputation as one of the hardest working Four years earlier, Lewis had watched from arts family, Lewis says that his parents and work hard. There are so many talented people Daniella Sicari have both recently graduated swing bands in the north of England with the audience as his younger brother Alexander brother are very considerate when it comes to “We pride ourselves on giving all of our students out there, but it means nothing without graft.” from RNCM with a Masters of Music, under appearances at Manchester and Glasgow performed the lead role in the original Australian providing feedback on his performances. real-world experiences during their studies, both in the UK and internationally. Our partnership with the tutelage of Mary Plazas. Jazz Festivals, Spinfest, and the Edinburgh From left: Ben Lewis as The Phantom and Amy Manford as Christine Daae in the West End production of Fringe Festival, among many other gigs. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’‘ WAAPA will help us develop this important work, Clarke, who was recently awarded a incentivise student and staff mobility, share best 2017 Royal Northern College of Music Gold In December, Sicari will perform the role practice and create mutually beneficial projects and Medal, gave her professional debut as of The Fairy Godmother (La Fée) in RNCM initiatives,” she said. Pamina in The Magic Flute by Mozart in the Opera Production’s Cendrillon by Massenet Professor Merrick visited Perth on Tuesday Longborough Festival Opera 2017 season. and next year will appear as Gretel in their 29 August to sign the MoU and to give the Vice- Since then she has performed the role of production of Hansel and Gretel. Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni with the British Currently half way through her studies at Photos by Johan Persson Chancellor’s Distinguished Oration 2017 at ECU’s Mount Lawley campus. Youth Opera Company and performed in the RNCM is mezzo-soprano Chelsea Burns, finals for the Independent Opera Scholars’ who will graduate next year. Burns completed In her oration ‘The value of performing arts Recital at Wigmore Hall, winning the Nora education in a changing world’, Professor Merrick her Bachelor of Music, majoring in classical Goodridge Developing Artist Award from the performance and a Postgraduate Diploma outlined how in an uncertain world performing arts Australian Music Foundation. Clarke is now matters more than ever before. of Music at WAAPA in 2015. She then commencing studies with Yvonne Kenny at auditioned at England’s prestigious trio of From the rapid rise of social media and the major the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College changes in how young people access music to the In 2015, Daniella Sicari received the Young of Music and RNCM. She was accepted to exponential growth in TV talent shows, Professor People and the Arts International Scholarship all three but eventually chose RNCM for her Merrick also explored the conflict between artistic to further her studies abroad. In 2016, she postgraduate studies under the tutelage of integrity and economic realities. was awarded the Amanda Roocroft Prize Ann Taylor. Reflecting on what the future may hold she by the RNCM and has most recently been explained how higher education can respond to awarded The John Cameron Prize for Lieder Main photo: RNCM Principal Professor Linda Merrick and ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman signing the Memorandum the challenges of an increasingly global, virtual and and the 2017 Joyce and Michael Kennedy of Understanding. media driven world. Strauss Award. Inset photo: Daniella Sicari Page 2 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Page 3 JM: We’re having a ball. It’s so much fun. With the absurdity and extravagance of the environment that this family live in, and the theatricality of the storylines, how couldn’t you – I mean, it’s Dynasty after all! We inherited our crew from , so they’ve all been working together for years, and the cast has become very tight already, so it really does feel like a family. It’s made setting up in a new city much easier, and I’ve never been part of a cast that hangs out together so much outside of work. I’m also really enjoying the full-time nature of the job. It’s so rare to be on a gig that means working most days for months on end. It’s bliss. It’s the first time in a while I’ve felt secure. Just knowing where I’m going to be for the next few months and being on a schedule, having some routine, is a very pleasant novelty. IW: You did a lot of theatre work in Sydney DEFYING GRAVITY AND JAMES MACKAY before you moved to the US - have you been able to continue that in the US or has film/TV work become the priority? TURNS 30 that particular moment. I’d been going back IW: The Dressmaker is a who’s who of JM: I haven’t done a play in nearly five and forward between Sydney and LA for great Aussie talent starring alongside 2017 MARKED THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY years (since in January several years, and felt like I was spinning . What was it like working on OF WAAPA’S AWARD-WINNING DEFYING 2013). I’m actually kind of shocked to realise my wheels a little. I hadn’t booked any work that film? that it’s been that long. I guess film and GRAVITY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE yet in the US. The scholarship was not only JM: It was a magic experience. A truly television became the priority when I moved hugely encouraging and reassuring that I wonderful and lovely bunch of people, many of efying Gravity celebrated 30 years at ‘performance’ into my playing. Her visit was to LA, but I’ve auditioned for plenty of theatre wasn’t kidding myself pursuing a career in whom I had grown up watching and admiring, the forefront of Australian percussion an experience I will never forget.” back home via self-tapes since then. I would the US, but it allowed me to hang on in LA so I was pinching myself. Every single person in the ‘Hit Parade’ percussion festival love to get on stage again, I really miss D In 30 years, Defying Gravity has grown for a crucial extra few months, and gave me working on that movie gave it everything they in September, which culminated in four the theatre. There’s a physicality and an from a nucleus of four students to the current the resources to apply for my first 0-1 visa. had and I think it’s a magic piece of Aussie gala concerts that showcased the energy, immediacy to performing on stage that doesn’t line-up of 18 players. Known initially as ctor James Mackay is currently starring A couple of months after the scholarship I cinema. I’m proud to be a part of it. passion and power of percussion - featuring really exist when you’re working with cameras. the WA Conservatorium of Music Classical in Dynasty, an American prime-time booked two episodes on a series in Vancouver, It created new friendships and consolidated performances by international percussion Percussion Ensemble, the group made its I had landed a role in the MTC production television reboot based on The Tomorrow People, and after finishing the old ones and because so many of us were on superstar Kuniko Kato, Defying Gravity debut on 17 September 1987 in a program A of Macbeth earlier this year which I was the 1980s series, which began streaming on second episode (plus a few bonus weeks of set at the same time for the scenes involving founder Gary France and alumni Marcus that included Edgar Varese’s Ionisation and super excited about, but unfortunately I had Netflix on October. holding my breath in Canada), my visa was the townsfolk, it was a riot. I loved working in Perrozzi, Iain Robbie and Kaboom Percussion John Beck’s Overture in Percussion. to withdraw once Dynasty got picked up to approved. I drove down the coast to California Melbourne and we finished the shoot with a (Catherine Betts and Joshua Webster). The 2008 WAAPA Acting graduate plays series. I was more disappointed than I’d Senior Lecturer Tim White, Artistic Director in January 2014 and began a new chapter week on location out in Horsham, which was a The concerts were also the culmination of , the gay son of billionaire probably care to admit, but I am well aware of Defying Gravity since 1994, has overseen based in LA. blast. Everyone had a great time. an 11-day residency by Kuniko Kato, who first . by now that these sorts of situations are national tours and concerts in venues ranging met Defying Gravity at the 2010 Australian This marks the latest in a string of recent high- IW: You’ve been in a string of high-profile And the material itself was so rich and champagne problems. from the Perth Concert Hall to a sheep station films recently - what has been the highlight theatrical. We had no time – no table read, Percussion Gathering in Brisbane. at Mt Magnet in WA’s far north. The group profile roles for Mackay, following appearances IW: What’s next for you? in the films , directed by Mel so far? no rehearsal – which gave the whole process One of the most gifted and significant has also toured to Canberra, Melbourne Gibson, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead JM: The Dressmaker was a real treat. It a sort of vaguely terrifying adrenalised feel. JM: The Dynasty circus rolls on. I’m starting percussionists of her generation, Kuniko and Brisbane, and represented Australia Men Tell No Tales. Mackay also appeared brought me back to Australia for a really Some of it was so heightened and some of it to think about what might happen during the is renowned for her astonishing virtuosity, at the 2011 PASIC percussion convention as William Beaumont in the 2015 film The satisfying and exciting job after a fairly was so naturalistic, it was sometimes difficult hiatus, but until we know exactly when that exquisite musical insight and expressive in Indianapolis USA. Defying Gravity has Dressmaker, alongside Kate Winslet, Judy prolonged stint in LA of auditioning relentlessly to know where to pitch things. There were is, or if we’re going to a second season, it’s yet elegant performance style. A specialist performed at the Perth International Arts Davis, Liam Hemsworth and . but getting nowhere. When I first read the plenty of moments of ‘is this way too much?’ somewhat futile to speculate. For now I’m in contemporary percussion music, she Festival and established a national profile script, and then the book, I fell in love with anxiety for everyone, I think it’s safe to say. enjoying being unavailable! If we’re talking has collaborated with Steve Reich, Toru through its regular recordings and broadcasts Most recently Mackay played tennis star the story and was determined to get the role, But [director] Jocelyn Moorhouse, and dream scenarios, I am hopeful there might Takemitsu, James Wood, Franco Donatoni, on ABC Classic FM. Margaret Court’s husband, Barry, in the 2017 but that kind of eagerness can sometimes [producer] Sue Maslin had such a clear sense be an opportunity on a film – or a play – back and Unsuk Chin, among many others. “It’s been a fabulous and fun thirty years,” filmBattle Of The Sexes, starring Emma work against you energetically. Auditioning of the story – not to mention the legendary home, once we wrap series 1. But it will be Thanks to the generous support of the says Tim. “Over sixty percussionists have Stone as Billie Jean King and Steve Carell as is – cruelly – a lot like dating in that way. In Don McAlpine and Jill Bilcock who shot and back to business as usual for a jobbing actor: McClements Foundation, Kuniko performed graduated from Defying Gravity with BMus Bobby Riggs. this case though I got lucky and it is one of the edited the film respectively – and gave us so read the scripts, do the auditions, roll the two solo concerts when she arrived at degrees, and the vast majority have gone on Currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, to film best working experiences I’ve ever had. much freedom to play, we could just throw dice, try not to panic. And, as usual, I’ll be as WAAPA, dazzling audiences with her to enjoy fulltime careers in music. fascinated as anyone else to find out what the Dynasty, Mackay talks to IW about his life Battle of the Sexes has definitely been ourselves into it. The world and the period had breathtaking virtuosity in masterworks by “I’ve loved seeing the students blossom as next job to land will be. ■ since winning the Heath Ledger Scholarship in another highlight. It was a lot of fun to play an been created so exquisitely by the designers. Johann Sebastian Bach, Steve Reich, Iannis people and as musicians, and their music- 2013 and relocating to the US: Australian character in a US film, and another We were in that wild, beautiful landscape. Xenakis and Arvo Pärt. making and teaching has enriched our society, wonderful ensemble cast to be a part of. The I think it all translated into something IW: How did winning the Heath Ledger Main Photo from left: Robert Christopher Riley as , Alan “Kuniko Kato is an amazing performer and touching the lives of so many people. And on directors also made Little Miss Sunshine, really special. Dale as , Nathalie Kelley as Cristal Flores, Grant Show Scholarship help your career? as Blake Carrington, James Mackay as Steven Carrington, Rafael de la a wonderful human being,” says 2nd Year top of that, we’ve all had so much fun with which is one of my favourite films, so that Fuente as Sam ‘Sammy Jo’ Flores, Elizabeth Gillies as Fallon Carrington IW: Dynasty looks as if it’s a lot of fun to and Sam Adegoke as percussion student, Arund Pearce. “Watching Defying Gravity – exploring the mysterious, JM: It’s difficult to overstate how significant was a thrill. Inset Photo: James Mackay as Steven Carrington be a part of... what have you enjoyed most her physical, exhilarating performance joyful, surprising and many-splendoured thing and helpful winning the scholarship was at Photos by: Art Streiber/The CW -- (c) 2017 The CW Network, LLC. All about it? ► Rights Reserved. style has inspired me to incorporate more that is ‘percussion’.” Page 4 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Page 5 NEW DRAMA DOWN UNDER COMES TO CHINA PERFORMING DRAMA IS HELPING TO BUILD AN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION BRIDGE BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND CHINA ARTS AWARD In July, WAAPA sessional lecturers Dr More than 90 Chinese primary On Wednesday 8 November, Bachelor of Gabrielle Metcalf and Dr Min Zhu were and secondary school teachers from Performing Arts (BPA) graduate Charlotte Otton invited to Beijing Normal University in schools throughout China participated was announced as the winner of the inaugural China to run a week of workshops at the in the workshops. Although they taught WAAPA FAC Residency Prize. 4th Annual International Children’s Drama a variety of subjects in their schools, This exciting new annual award offers a BPA Festival – Teacher Training and Student they were all keen to learn drama skills Performance Making graduate the opportunity to Summer Camp. they could apply to their classes. In undertake a four-week residency at the Fremantle The festival included lectures, the workshops, Dr Metcalf and Dr Zhu Arts Centre, during which they can develop a new workshops, performance and roundtable introduced the elements of drama to the work with support from FAC and present a showing discussions around the theme of drama teachers and demonstrated how to use for feedback and potential programming. education. Dr Metcalf gave a lecture at voice, movement, role and relationship to This award further extends the ongoing the opening ceremony of the festival create drama in devised and improvised partnership between WAAPA and FAC, with called Drama Down Under: An Australian scenarios, and discussed how to plan FAC having presented and co-presented shows Perspective on Teaching Drama in and manage a drama class. with WAAPA students from Defying Gravity, the Primary School, which introduced At the closing ceremony of the festival, Music Theatre, Classical Voice, Jazz and Acting, the development and rationale of the Chinese teachers demonstrated and on several site-specific works with LINK drama education for young people in what they had learnt with a devised Dance Company. Australia, as well as the structure and performance including scenes from “FAC is committed to supporting artists make new characteristics of Australian curriculum. Macbeth – which only a few teachers had work and through our Artists in Residency program With other guest speakers, all of the heard of before the workshops! in particular, we support young and new graduates lectures conveyed the idea that the Arts Dr Metcalf and Dr Zhu have now been as they begin to make their way as independent play an important role in education, invited by Beijing Normal University to professional artists,” says Jim Cathcart, Director especially in the development of run workshops with other educators of FAC. “Last year half of all our WA Artists in children’s imagination and creativity. from Russia, England and Finland at the Residence were recent graduates. The significance of drama education International Education Conference in “So I am very pleased to expand our engagement is being recognized and explored by Xiamen City in November. to graduates of WAAPA’s Performance Making Chinese educators. course through this Residency Prize.” From top: Dr Gabrielle Metcalf and Dr Min Zhu; participants of the 4th Annual International Children’s Drama Festival According to Cathcart, who selected the recipient in consultation with his staff at FAC, “Charlotte’s

Photos by Chris Davies application stood out by proposing a project with a clear sense of purpose, good artistic rationale and WAM WINNERS a capable artistic team.” MAESTRO STAFF AND GRADUATES WIN BIG AT THE 2017 WAM AWARDS

ON THE MOVE When this year’s coveted WAM Awards Guitarist Axel Carrington from Rag n’ Bone were announced on Thursday 2 November are both Contemporary Music graduates. WAAPA’s Head of Classical Music (Strings), Associate Professor Alexandre at the Gate One Theatre in Perth’s The late, great Dr Graham Wood was Da Costa is now on tour with his Stradivarius at the Opera show. Claremont Showgrounds, a number of inducted into the WAM Hall of Fame Da Costa has created a ‘concert-spectacle’ in which he and a string WAAPA staff and graduates were among in a beautiful and heartfelt acceptance ensemble perform the great classics of romantic opera – Carmen by Bizet, the winners. speech from Jamie Oehlers and a rousing Romeo and Juliet by Prokofiev andTurandot by Puccini, among others – and Jazz lecturers Daniel Susnjar (and his performance of one of Wood’s compositions more modern pieces against a backdrop of dramatic lighting and striking eponymous Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group) was performed by Daniel Susnjar (drums) visual images. and Tom O’Halloran won the awards for and Harry Mitchell (keyboard). This contemporary fusion of music and digital arts offers the audience a Best Jazz Act and Best Keys/Synth Artist Dr Wood was honoured for his work in captivating visual and aural immersive experience. Da Costa performs as respectively, while sessional staff member the Australian music scene for initiatives both soloist – on his magnificent Stradivarius violin – and conductor. Rickie Malet picked up Best Bass/Strings/ such as founding the Perth International Da Costa will farewell this year and see in 2018 by leading the Vienna Woodwind Instrumentalist. Jazz Festival, starting and co-owning the Symphony as guest concertmaster for their famous New Year concerts at the Composition/Music Tech graduate Jake iconic Ellington Jazz Club in Perth, being Vienna Konzerthaus on December 30, 31 and January 1. He also has guest Steele (aka Tobacco Rat) took out the Best appointed Associate Dean, Teaching and soloist dates with the Sinfonia Toronto, the Halle Staatskapelle, the Winnipeg Electronic Live Act and Feels – percussion Learning at WAAPA in 2016, and recording Symphony and many other recitals and concerts. graduates Elise Reitze and Rosie Taylor and touring nationally and internationally – won the Best Electronic Producer gong. with many acclaimed artists and ensembles. Best Bassist Sara McPherson and Best Photo by Carlos Guerra

From top: Steven Caston (above) honours the late Dr Graham Wood on his induction into the WAM Hall of Fame; Photo by Jon Green Daniel Susnjar celebrates his WAM Award win Above: Charlotte Otton Page 6 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Page 7 PUSHING BOUNDARIES RESEARCH’S NEW VOICE TWO RECENT PERFORMANCES PUSHED THE BOUNDARIES OF WAAPA’S PERFORMANCE TRAINING LIVE PERFORMANCE PRODUCTION RESEARCH THROUGH EXCITING NEW COLLABORATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT new journal launched researchers, there was no current platform to disseminate the research see how they progressed to be closer to their amazing humans there!” says O’Hanlon. “Working on 11 October at produced from investigating the practices of theatre production. INVENTORIES OF BODIES sensations, to be able to make their own choices.” on the site specific piece with the 2nd Year BPA WAAPA aims to “This type of research, often practice-led, does not fit within a IN MOVEMENT Fricker had already worked with the LINK students was a truly wonderful experience, our A provide a dedicated space traditional research model, nor an industry format,” said Dr Studham in In October, 50 performers from local WA arts dancers during their recent tour to France. process was rich, the site was beautiful and I for the dissemination of her address at the launch. “It is hybrid and so, a new hybrid space was companies, Co3, DADAA’s Tracksuit program However she found that creating this new piece loved what we created together. production-based research. required to showcase it.” and WAAPA’s LINK Dance Company collaborated with them in Perth highlighted their great energy “These young artists brought their ideas, their Behind the Scenes: for the first time to create the powerful work, and range of movement, a difference she noticed creativity, their hearts and their minds to this Working with Dr Studham on the many stages of the journal’s Journal of Theatre Inventories of Bodies in Movement. between them and French dancers. project every day. The openness with which they development were Professor Cat Hope, Dr Helen Rusak, Dr Renée Production Practice was came to the work was an incredible gift to this Newman, Dr. Jonathan Marshall, Dr. Lyndall Adams, Fleur Kingsland, LINK joined forces with Co3, WA’s flagship “I appreciated their curiosity and enthusiasm developed to fill a void in visiting artist from the other side of the globe.” Dr Sharon Matthews and Sally Hyslop. contemporary dance company, and Tracksuit, for new processes,” Fricker explained. “I also the publication of articles that give focus to the production aspects of The inaugural issue of Behind the Scenes: Journal of Theatre DADAA’s ongoing performing arts program enjoyed their commitment and their generosity in O’Hanlon describes how through his research live performance. Its purpose is to give visibility to and engage current Production Practice is dedicated to the late Associate Professor providing for people with disability, to create a guiding the other participants with great simplicity. on Wireless Hill and its history, he learned researchers in a dialogue on the many aspects of performance that are Maggi Philips. mass contemporary dance display by dancers “I’m touched by the way the dances that about the area’s deep connection to the local seemingly ‘behind the scenes’. and non-dancers performed on the South Lawn of Nyoongar people. “Her belief in the value of practice-led research is one of the reasons emerge through IBM are so personal and so The journal is the creation of Dr Sue Fenty Studham, Assistant the Fremantle Arts Centre. that this journal exists,” said Dr Studham. “Maggi was fascinated with authentic – that’s why I keep working on this Rick Brayford, Coordinator of WAAPA’s Professor and Head of the Bachelor of Fine Arts Stage Management the movement of bodies, ideas and identities and this journal is indebted Choreographed by revered French artist project that is always the same and at the same Aboriginal Theatre course, put the American Program at The Theatre School of DePaul University in Chicago. Christine Fricker, Inventories of Bodies in time so different.” director in touch with actor/dancer/director to her musings on performance as research… her words live on in this When Dr Studham completed her PhD at WAAPA in 2015, she realised Movement (IBM) was originally performed in Ian Wilkes. journal and beyond.” that although there are a number of scenography journals available to Marseille and has subsequently travelled to nine THE SECRET PROJECT: Wilkes has a strong family connection to the Above left: Dr Sue Fenty Studham cities around the world with each production DISPATCH arts and indigenous affairs: his great-uncle was tackling a different theme. WAAPA’s commitment to new collaborations the acclaimed playwright, the late Jack Davis; “IBM is always different according to the and community engagement was also evident his father is prominent West Australian academic theme, the cast, the city where it takes place,” in The Secret Project: Dispatch, a site-specific Associate Professor Ted Wilkes AO; and his explains Fricker. “For Perth it’s the question of theatre piece devised and performed by the 2nd aunt is film and theatre director Lynette Narkle, a CRAZY DANCE LOVE isolation and the relationship to this extraordinary Year Bachelor of Performing Arts (Performance whose acting credits include The Sapphires. AN INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR STUDENT natural world.” Making) students from 4-7 October at the “Ian is a very busy artist but he offered his time, DANCERS CROSSES LANGUAGE BARRIERS The 50 performers for the Fremantle iteration Wireless Hill Museum in Perth’s southern suburb artistry and ancestral connection to The Secret created the material from scratch over two weeks of Ardross. Project and I truly cannot imagine having done In September, for the fourth year in “How lucky we all were to go with Fricker at the helm. Wireless Hill has been a significant landmark the piece without him,” says O’Hanlon. a row, WAAPA Dance students were to another country and share this invited to participate in the prestigious beautiful art form with like-minded Performed over 30 minutes, IBM is set in for communication for the Noongar Beelier people “I also want to send a special shout out to the Beijing Normal University (BNU) beings,” she says. a grid with each performer inhabiting a 1.6m for tens of thousands of years and was also one staff at WAAPA who are doing incredible work Creative Dance Seminar in China. square indicated on the ground. Specially of the first sites for radio technology in Australia. nurturing all of these artists. I’m so proud to have Dancer Kirsty Clarke agrees: “To be created for novices and professionals alike, this This provided the rich background material had to opportunity to work alongside you all.” Fifteen dance students travelled to immersed in a culture that differs from China with Kim McCarthy, WAAPA’s us in so many ways, and yet still be work breaks open the divide between these two on which the students were able to devise a The Secret Project: Dispatch represents the Coordinator of Classical Dance, and able to communicate and understand worlds. It brings young and old, professional promenade-style piece built around historical culmination of a year-long unit introducing BPA Sue Peacock, Acting Head of Dance. one another through doing what we and aspiring dancers, able-bodied and disabled and verbatim text interwoven with new writing, students to the particular opportunities and love is crazy. people together. a unique sound design, strong image creation challenges of making site-specific performance. The week-long event featured and movement. seminars, master classes, workshops “Learning from the teachers of these The result is a beautiful, arresting patchwork Dr Frances Barbe, Course Coordinator, and performances, and offered the other academies, it was amazing of humanity, people from different walks of The students were supported on their creative Bachelor of Performing Arts is grateful for the WAAPA dancers the opportunity to what you could still understand life moving in their own worlds and connected journey by international guest director Barney generous community support the project received. together with intent. O’Hanlon, from the renowned SITI Company in network with students and staff from regardless of them speaking a “It was fantastic to work with staff at Wireless , dramaturg Renee Newman and guest performance schools from all over different language, and you realise “It was my first time working with disabled Hill Museum and City of Melville on this project. artist, WAAPA Aboriginal Performance graduate the world, including America, Japan, how movement can depict so much.” people on this project and the Tracksuit/DADAA Their willing support made a huge difference to Ian Wilkes. Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong. In addition to their time at BNU, the dancers made such an incredible work, they the development of this unique work.” gave me their trust,” said Fricker. “I also enjoyed “My time at WAAPA was extraordinary and I The classes ranged from classical students were able to go sightseeing, and contemporary ballet to traditional taking in Beihai Park, the Silk Markets, working with the young dancers of Co3 to very much fell in love with the school and all the From left: Inventories of Bodies in Movement; The Secret Project: Dispatch dances such as Chinese sleeve the Forbidden City and the Great Wall dancing. of China. The WAAPA students concluded “Being able to see some of the great their week at the Seminar by landmarks of the world while we were performing Kim McCarthy’s Escape there was great,” says Clarke. “But I Artist in the Beijing Dance Academy think the highlight for me was after Theatre. The work was originally the performance, when the curtain performed in May as part of WAAPA’s closed on stage… being able to see dance season, Rise. everybody so happy about a common Dancer Meg Beeson describes passion, I think it’s a moment that’s her week in China as “filled with fun, unforgettable.” Breanna Skewes (second from right) performing in “The Merry Widow”. adventure and laughter”. Photo by Rikib Erick Photos by James Rogers for West Australian Opera Photo by Stephen Heath Photo by Liu Haidong Page 8 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Page 9 CLASSICAL MUSIC ACCOLADES POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH SHOWCASE BY DR JONATHAN W. MARSHALL WAAPA COORDINATOR OF RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREES

As part of the 9th annual Research using handheld devices, dollys and other Week at ECU, the WAAPA Postgraduate techniques, the steadicam puts the human Research Showcase was held on 23 body into the centre of taking footage. September in the Music Auditorium. Camera operation becomes, as Rusty Curated by PhD candidate Emma explained, a kind of performance. Jayakumar, the performance featured a Moving into the world of theatre, a selection of postgraduate creative works, portion of the script being developed by MA n 25 October, WAAPA celebrated the “I am of course extremely excited since I was The Dame Mary Gilmore Bequest, provided ranging from community dance to post- candidate Susie Conte was read by actor achievements of its most outstanding previously unable financially to undertake further by Perth’s Karrakatta Club to the most promising shamanic vocals, cinematic documentary Kylie Maree. The piece breathes life into OClassical Music students at a concert for studies outside of Perth on my own, so these overall final year female student in the Classical to music composed in response to the WA the diaries and writing of WA author Mollie the winners of 2017 Classical Music Awards. awards will enable me to do what I have always Vocal course, was presented to Ema Rose landscape. In offering a wide spectrum Skinner (1876-1955) offering a poignant Pianist Hannah Th’ng won both the wanted to do,” says the talented pianist. Gosnell. The mezzo-soprano, who studied with of work, the 2017 Showcase represented portrait of a figure who never quite seemed prestigious Friends of the Academy Award “I would like to express my deepest gratitude Fiona McAndrew at WAAPA, plans to pursue the diversity of postgraduate study to prosper. Looked down upon by her for the most outstanding final year student in to WAAPA, its supporters, the Friends of the postgraduate studies in opera next year. at WAAPA. mother, and only turning to writing novels the Classical Music program and the coveted Academy, the wonderful lecturers and staff The Luigi Paolino Award for Excellence in The evening began with Sage Pbbbt after periods as a midwife and a WWI Barbara MacLeod Scholarship for the most members, the amazing students, and my Classical Percussion, established in memory of playing drums whilst engaging in abstract nurse, Skinner ended her peripatetic life in outstanding female Classical Music student. immediate and church family for making all WAAPA percussion graduate Luigi Paolino and vocals and guttural noises. Structured WA, best known as the woman who had The latter, established in memory of Captain this possible. It has been a hard but rewarding awarded to the most outstanding undergraduate according to inner states and the idea hosted UK author D.H. Lawrence on his trip Barbara Denise MacLeod, provides $10,000 journey and I am excited for what lies ahead!” percussionist, was awarded to Tao Issaro. of music as a turbulent stream, the to Australia. Skinner remains a fascinating to enable the winner to further develop their The winner of the 2017 Warana Music Percussionist Laura Harris was awarded the piece represents one strand of Sage’s character who hovers on the fringes musical skills by undertaking a short intensive Award for best concerto performance in the Norman Archibald Percussion Scholarship. This fascinating project into meditation and of history. program of study at a leading music institution. Classical Music program was pianist George scholarship was founded by Neil Archibald in extended vocal techniques inspired by The evening concluded with a Th’ng, who this year completed her Honours Carolin-Unkovich. 2015 in memory of his father to provide financial steppe-land shamanic practices as well as combination of festivity and protest in degree under the tutelage of Anna Sleptsova, Carolin-Unkovich, who is in the second year support to WAAPA students who demonstrate contemporary magik – taking what Sage a performance of Maloya music and looks forward to learning from the celebrated of a Bachelor of Music under Anna Sleptsova, excellence in classical percussion. calls an ‘agnostic’ and playful position dance. Maloya originated on the island pianist/composer/pedagogue Emeritus won with an outstanding performance of the The Friends of the Academy First Year on the reality or otherwise of magikal of Réunion, off the coast of Madagascar. Professor Larry Sitsky AM at the Australian Allegro from Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 Classical Vocal Award, presented to the most phenomena. Material is improvised according to a National University’s School of Music. in D minor, accompanied by the Faith Court outstanding mid-year recital given by a 1st Year This was followed by Josten Myburgh’s call-and-response structure, and the lyrics “I plan to fly over for two weeks and then Orchestra under conductor Christopher Dragon. Classical Vocal student, was jointly won this meditative, Eric-Satie-esque laptop music. deal with the violence of slavery endured return to Perth for a couple of months so that “I’m thrilled to not only have won the prize, year by two sopranos, Ashley Chua and Isabella Josten is looking at how to develop musical by local and diasporic communities on I can still maintain my teaching/performing but also to have had the opportunity to perform Marslen, who achieved the equal highest mark. communities, creating an open-ended work Réunion. Movements tend to swing the engagements whilst having time to digest what I with the Faith Court Orchestra and Christopher WAAPA congratulates these outstanding which might foster a sense of freedom and body low in the hips and side to side, often have learnt,” says Th’ng. “I intend to do this over Dragon,” says Carolin-Unkovich. “I would like to musicians, and is indebted to its donors for agency in audiences. in impressive shakes, while the music has a similar shaking, doubled beat. Muriel a period of 8-10 months.” thank all the tireless WAAPA staff, friends and generously supporting the student scholarship Next up was Cissi Tsang, complete with Toulcanon’s project looks at Maloya as a Th’ng intends to use the $1,000 prize money sponsors of the Academy and all of the students program. electric guitar and processed environmental form of community expression, agency from the Friends of the Academy Award to involved for their commitment in making this recordings that were accompanied by year’s event take place.” and memory. purchase additional music books and for other Above: Hannah Th’ng and George Carolin-Unkovich treated video projections of seaside possible study opportunities. landscapes and wavering sound waves. The piece featured Muriel performing The piece was reminiscent of the work of with two dancers and three musicians: Laurie Anderson, using a looped, distorted one on drum, one on bamboo rattle, and vocal interjection as a structural element another on a local form of glockenspiel, as which Cissi then riffed with, mostly using well as some alternation between the drum JULIE MICHAEL PRIZE extended strums. and a struck, musical bow. The main drum was constructed in Perth in collaboration Stacey Thomsett has won the 2017 Julie Michael Prize in Musical Cabaret.This prize, worth PhD candidate Rusty Gellar offered with a Maloya expert, who led the singing $2,000, was established in 2009 by the Government House Foundation to recognize the support a change of pace by showing a clip for the performance. that Julie Michael gave to nurturing and extending the cultural life of Government House. The from one of several interviews he has prize is open to selected students who must write and present their ideas for a musical cabaret act. been conducting with camera operators, The evening ended with much whooping at this vigorous statement of survival in Previous winners include Gillian Cosgriff, who has gone on to win best comedy and cabaret including the camera operator from David Lynch’s film Blue Velvet. Ever since the the face of oppressive conditions – a awards at Perth, Sydney and Melbourne Fringe Festivals, as well as a Green Room Award; steadicam was invented, camera operators suitably fiery way to end this survey of Du Toit Bredenkamp, who played Rolf Gruber in the 2015-2016 Australian production of The have been able to climb and weave through the fine creative research currently being Sound of Music and starred in the ABC’s recent two-part series, Fridays On My Mind; and Patrick spaces while taking increasingly stable undertaken at the Academy. Whitbread, who has appeared in Cats, Georgy Girl: The Seekers Musical and is currently touring and well-focussed footage. While some From top: Dr Jonathan W Marshall; actor Kylie Maree; Cissi Tsang; and two images from Muriel Toulcanon’s Mayola performance. in Matilda The Musical. great camera operators did this before Photos by Georgia Sassenfeld At left: Stacey Thomsett wins the 2017 Julie Michael Prize Page 10 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Inside WAAPA Issue 50 Page 11 Verge The Threepenny Opera

IN THE SPOTLIGHT A GLIMPSE OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ON STAGE AT WAAPA Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson As You LIke It

The Secret Project: Dispatch Verge

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

Windmill Baby Les Mamelles De Tirésias Verge

Windmill Baby The Impresario

Cover Credits Front Cover ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’. Ben Lewis ‘The Phantom’ and Kelly Mathieson ‘Christine Daae’. Photo Johan Persson Back Cover All photos by Jon Green Photographer except ‘The Secret Project: Dispatch’ and ‘Verge’ photos by Stephen Heath Photography.

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Page 12 Inside WAAPA Issue 50