Official newsletter of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University (Issue 49) September 2017

SARAH CONTOS sews up art prize acclaimed soprano returns TOM O’HALLORAN to WAAPA wins Art Music Award GAVIN TEMPANY’s PLUS sound career Visiting Artists: Andy Paris, Vivian Munn and Tanztheatre Wuppertal Pina Bausch

Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Page 1 ART PRIZE SEWN UP WAAPA trained set and costume designer has been Aawarded the inaugural $100,000 Ramsay Art Prize. -based artist Sarah Contos won with her giant quilt called The Long Kiss Goodbye.

Photo by Jon Green Contos said the quilt, which measures more than 6 metres by 3 metres, took three months to create by hand and machine and was comprised of screen prints made over THE BEST a four-year period. Contos’ work was chosen from 21 works of contemporary OF BRITISH art, all vying for ’s newest, and richest, art prize The WAAPA Visiting Artists Program, proudly supported for artists under the age of 40. Her piece was seen by by the Minderoo Foundation, brought one of Britain’s the judges to push traditional quilting and screen-printing finest directors and educators to in June to direct techniques forward into a dynamic, modern context. the 3rd Year Acting students in Noël Coward’s timeless “Contos’ 21st century quilt spills over, and, like a new epic HIGH NOTES comedy, Present Laughter. history tableaux, celebrates women in all their glory with Vivian Munn is a highly respected actor, director and fireworks, sequins and PVC,” judge Leigh Robb and curator ACCLAIMED SOPRANO EMMA MATTHEWS educator. Munn has taught and directed at numerous of contemporary art at the Art Gallery of South Australia said. NEW HEAD OF CLASSICAL VOICE English drama schools including E.15 Acting School and The finalists, selected from more than 450 entries, came Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. He is an Academy from all over Australia and included paintings, photography, ustralian soprano Emma Matthews dramatically, and to guiding them into the Associate Teacher at the Royal Academy of Dramatic video and interactive works. has been named as WAAPA’s new professional world that awaits them.” Arts, Director of RADA Elders Company and the New Head of Classical Voice, taking The biennial prize, funded by the James and Diana Matthews aims to bring to WAAPA York University Course Co-ordinator. A Ramsay Foundation, aims to foster young artists to develop Photo by Saul Steed over the position in January 2018. many of the artists, conductors, coaches “I was delighted with the cast of Present Laughter,” says their careers. Sarah Contos Presents: The Long Kiss Goodbye, 2016, Art Gallery of South Australia, 2017, Screen-print Since graduating in 1992 from the and directors with whom she has on linen, canvas and lamé, digital printed fabrics and various found fabrics, PVC, poly-fil, glass, ceramic and Munn. “From their first reading of the text they were keen plastic beads, thread, artists' gloves, 610 x 330 x 25 cm. West Australian Conservatorium at worked and learned from throughout her to extend their skills and showed tremendous fortitude WAAPA, Matthews has established illustrious career. when tackling the writing which is notoriously difficult. herself as one of Australia’s most “I’m coming home with my husband The company faced the task head on, not faltering for successful and accomplished singers. and two sons, to make Perth our home, a moment and indeed revelling in the challenge that PARIS IN PERTH Her impressive list of accolades and WAAPA our family.” Coward poses. I found this reaction very refreshing and includes seven , Associate Professor Stewart Smith, their responses extremely uplifting.” WAAPA STUDENTS GAIN MOMENTUM , a Mo Award, the WITH NEW YORK DIRECTOR WAAPA’s Associate Dean of Music says, “It was an exciting introduction to the master that is Remy Martin Australian Award and “Finding the right person to continue Noël Coward and the 3rd Year students took great delight Thanks to the Minderoo Foundation, WAAPA “The themes we centred around mostly for Music Personality of Patricia Price’s legacy was never going in his world. The laughter was very much present and it is able to bring some of the world’s leading were those of identity and loss.” the Year 2010, Best Performance in an to be easy, but in Emma we have found was a joy to facilitate their performance.” performing arts practitioners to Edith Cowan “So the piece was a deep dive into Opera 2012 and Australian Artist of the a truly worthy successor. Emma is an University to enrich the education of its students. Year 2016. what is important to the students: their outstanding artist, a gifted teacher and One of WAAPA’s recent visiting artists was needs, their history and how it feeds She has performed with all the someone with big plans and a clear actor/writer/director Andy Paris, a founding their desires. Momentum weaves these state opera companies and the major vision for the future. She is also the member of New York’s Tectonic Theatre Project. narratives together, and the result is a Australian symphony orchestras and warmest of people and I am greatly Since 1991, Paris’s work with Tectonic has group of young men and women telling is equally in demand on the concert looking forward to working with her in this their collective story, a story of passion, of platform and as a recording artist. important position.” created some of the most thrilling and important American theatre of our age, based on a unique familial and racial conflict, of longing, the opportunity to Matthews has been Australia’s prima “In addition to welcoming Emma I also methodology for developing, analysing and of loss, of love.” work with one of America’s most exciting soprano, singing with wish to acknowledge the outstanding re-imagining theatre called Moment Work™. Paris describes how Moment Work’s inherently contemporary theatre makers to WA’s for over 20 years. She has sung at the and sustained contribution made by my Moment Work has been used to create all of interdisciplinary process encourages participants professional theatre makers. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden wonderful colleague, Patricia Price. Not Tectonic’s pieces including The Laramie Project, to collaborate to combine the different theatrical and has worked with some of the world’s only do Patricia’s graduates regularly a confronting and controversial play that has elements into a compelling piece of theatrical finest conductors and directors. Matthews win scholarships to the major American been translated into dozens of languages storytelling. “So while the students utilised their has an extensive discography, with and British academies, they are also to around the world as a powerful tool in combating talents in acting, they were also lighting, sound many of her recordings winning the be found in many of the world’s opera homophobia. and set designers,” he explains. highest awards. houses.” This was Paris’ second visit to WAAPA, “I hope the audience left the theatre with On returning to her alma mater in this Patricia Price says, “My time at WAAPA following a two-week residency with WAAPA’s the sense they had born witness to something new role, Matthews says, “I’m excited has been challenging, exciting and most Acting students last year. He returned to Perth truthful and meaningful. And if we did our jobs about guiding the voices of the future, at of all very rewarding and I am delighted in August this year to put the finishing directorial well, perhaps conversations were sparked and such a prestigious institution. to welcome Emma Matthews to take over touches on the world premiere of Momentum, his the community more unified.” the reins. I know she will be very happy “I look forward to getting to know the new work with the WAAPA students. While Paris was in Perth, Minderoo and singers at WAAPA, to sharing their artistic in the WAAPA family and will continue to gain worldwide recognition for the “The themes, text and narratives in the show WAAPA facilitated a professional development journeys, technically, musically and Above: Andy Paris directing the 2nd Year Acting students in rehearsal for Photos by Kathy Wheatley were student-generated, culled from their own workshop for members of The Blue Room classical voice courses.” “Momentum”. Background photo by Jon Green Vivian Munn directing the 3rd Year Acting students in rehearsal for “Present Laughter” lives and their imaginations,” says Paris. Theatre and The Last Great Hunt, extending ‘ Page 2 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Page 3 What is it like touring with Hans Zimmer, a we had a new orchestra and choir, different team of people. Most likely it’s the variety and man described as one of the Top 100 Living rooms, and the fact that my job was to do the complexity of the projects that I work on that Geniuses? sound on stage for 23 band members makes it keeps me interested. It keeps me thinking and A SOUND CAREER It’s been good fun, he is certainly a great exponentially more complicated than a 4 or 5 trying new techniques and methods to solve man. I think one of Hans’ great strengths is piece rock band. We dropped the sample rate complex audio related problems. back to 48kHz and still ran out of DSP on all that he is so grounded and has a fantastic What advice would you give to someone the consoles. Bearing in mind that these are personality. He has a way of gelling people wanting to be a sound engineer? together, a greater sense of project and the highest channel count consoles currently There is so much to learn and see that you communication that must be, apart from the available, this gives you an insight into how can never expect to know everything. obvious creative skills, amazing for directors to complicated it is. And it’s not just the audio that work with. During our rehearsals for the tour, is complicated, other departments (lighting, You are always as good as the person you he was finishing off the film Dunkirk, which is a rigging, set and backline) also had long and can call... major musical/sound design piece, yet he kept complicated days. As a result, we often got A level-headed personality and being able it together to pop into rehearsals and just fit in access to the stage at 2pm for a 4pm sound- to get along with others is sometimes more playing with a 20-piece band. check. That’s 150 odd inputs mic-ed up and important than skill. This doesn’t mean that 20 players’ mixes line-checked in about two you can’t be good at your job, but it certainly Sound engineering for Hans’ shows must hours. Let’s just say that we had to be quite helps in this service-based industry to get be especially challenging because of the organised. along with others. complexity of mixing live orchestra, choir and electronic elements. How long have What is the best part about your job? Watch, listen and take mental notes when you been working with Hans and what has I love it all. Honestly, I’m very excitable in given the opportunity. this experience been like for you? the morning with the challenge of managing Never say no to anything, but be honest if I’ve been with Hans about six months two semi-trailers of sound equipment, knowing you don’t know how to do something. A three- and yes, it’s one of those interesting things, that at some point later that night it’s all going minute explanation by someone else and Photo by Maria Zhytnikovajpg combining an orchestra and a band... It was to be back in the trucks, having listened to doing it right is far better than barging in and extremely technically challenging. Each day good music and having worked with a great having to undo an hour or two’s work. ■ In May, more than twenty years after he were exposed to all forms of sound, and my You’ve worked with some incredible graduated from WAAPA, sound engineer eyes (and ears) were opened to a whole new musicians and bands. What have been the Gavin Tempany was back in Perth as part world of fields: television sound, radio, theatre highlights? of the 2017 Hans Zimmer Live On Tour sound design, live concert sound and of Yeah I guess it has been pretty good eh? production crew. course music recording. I had a pretty good career on the way in The 1995 graduate has been touring the What did you enjoy most about being at Australia and not long after I moved to world as a sound designer and monitor WAAPA and what did it give you in terms of I was very lucky that another ex-graduate and TOP OF THEIR GAME engineer with the multi-award winning film getting you ready for a career? friend Andrew Burch called me up one day. composer. Zimmer is famous for composing He was working for a sound company called I have to say that I wouldn’t be where I am music for over 150 films including the Britannia Row Productions and they needed wo WAAPA alumni joined the cast of the now without it. I really enjoyed that there was Academy Award winning score for The Lion someone at short notice to tech some stuff keenly-anticipated second season of only a small group of us doing the course King, The Pirates of the Caribbean series, just down the road for a little Australian band acclaimed Foxtel drama . and that we had access to the tutors and T Gladiator, The Last Samurai, The Dark Knight called Powderfinger. So down I went and it all and Lincoln Vickery co-starred equipment 24 hours a day. On top of that, the Trilogy, Inception, Interstellar and Dunkirk. seemed to go OK, and I’ve been getting calls alongside (The Handmaid’s facility at WAAPA is a very rare thing – a music from Britannia Row ever since! In between Tale, Mad Men) as she reprised her Golden Since moving to a decade ago, conservatorium (with great classical, jazz and working for the Australian bands that I was Globe winning role as Detective Robin Griffin the now Oxford-based Tempany has worked contemporary musicians needing recordings), doing when I left for London, I’ve done some in Top of the Lake: China Girl, which premiered with an impressive line-up of musical acts, a working theatre and courses pretty crazy things in the last 10 years or so. I at a special screening including Powderfinger, Tame Impala, Ed that put on shows every six weeks. We crewed did a month in the desert in Israel working on on August 1 before debuting on BBC First on Sheeran, Mike and the Mechanics and David those shows. There’s also a dance course, Aida, I mixed the 40th anniversary concert of August 20. Gilmour of Pink Floyd fame. fine arts and arts management all on one From left: Lincoln Vickery and Ewen Leslie. the United Arab Emirates National Day, have Here Gavin talks to IW about his amazing campus. Really it’s a very rare thing. The cast also features Oscar winner Nicole done the Brit Awards, Orchestral Manoeuvres Kidman (The Hours, Big Little Lies), Gwendoline (2011) for the Theatre Company, Lincoln Vickery auditioned for Top of the Lake: international career: What a degree like this lets you do is have in the Dark, mixed a concert where Bon Jovi, Christie (Game of Thrones), David Dencik with being reprised for Belvoir in China Girl a week after his graduating showcase a sheltered environment of older students Why did you want to be a sound engineer? Taylor Swift and Prince William sang Living (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Girl with the 2013. He played a lead role in ’s at the end of 2015. He describes how ‘awesome’ designing the productions and the younger Well I played guitar in a band in my final on a Prayer together. I mixed Dragon Tattoo) and Alice Englert (Beautiful 2011 production of The Wild Duck in Sydney, it was when a month later, just after Christmas, students operating them. In a way this year of school and wanted a four-track and the orchestra on two tours of Australia, Creatures). Like the first series, China Girl was Melbourne and Oslo for The Ibsen Festival. In he found out he’d got the part. provides you with two things: great technical cassette based recorder to be able to record Missy Higgins, Eskimo Joe, Mike and the directed by Oscar winner . 2015 he travelled to Paris to perform in Simon In the series, Vickery plays Brett, a young support and a chance to make mistakes and some song ideas. So I saved up for that Mechanics and in the last few years I’ve Stone’s production of Thyestes, and played the man who falls in love with a sex worker. When learn before being employed. This worked Filmed in Sydney, Top of the Lake: China Girl and through part time jobs and a top-up of been very privileged to be doing monitors for title role in Belvoir’s award-winning production she goes missing, Brett gets embroiled in the doubly well for me as I moved to Sydney after received rave reviews and a standing ovation Christmas money, managed to get enough David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) and Hans Zimmer. of Ivanov. drama at the heart of the series. I graduated and suddenly I was this young guy at its international premiere at the Cannes Film to buy one. After school I went to university Having played guitar from a young age, the who no-one knew, who seemed to know what Festival, the first time the festival had screened a Leslie also has a string of film credits to his It’s not often an acting student gets to step and initially studied science, but found music David Gilmour tour was simply amazing. he was doing, and hadn’t made a monumental television series. name, including The Daughter, the film version out of drama school and onto the set of a a bit more interesting, playing with university Incredible band, crew and amazing songs. mistake that everyone knew me by! Contrast Leslie, who graduated from WAAPA in 2000, is of The Wild Duck. Upcoming features include series directed by one of the world’s great friends and old school mates. I took a year off Not going to say it was an easy day at the that to starting work at a sound company, widely considered to be one of Australia’s finest Warwick Thornton’s feature Sweet Country, film directors. and applied for WAAPA and managed to get office, we were busy, but the result each night I wouldn’t have had the basic technical actors, having won awards and critical acclaim selected to make its world premiere in official “I’ve never met anyone quite so inspiring, accepted into the Production (Sound) course. was definitely worth the hard work. Hopefully grounding and I certainly wouldn’t have been for his outstanding theatre performances as competition at the Venice International Film working with her was an absolute dream,” says I was mainly interested in it so I had access to he doesn’t leave it another 10 years before he as hands-on driving equipment as much Prince Hal in the ’s Festival in September, Priscilla Cameron’s Vickery. “Every day on set I would learn more better recording equipment, with no intention tours again! ► as I did. 2009 production of The War of the Roses, as The Butterfly Tree; and Jennifer Kent’s not just about my job but about myself.” of doing live sound at all! In the course we Richard III (2010) and Hamlet The Nightingale. Page 4 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Page 5 ART MUSIC AWARD WINNERS cclaimed jazz pianist, composer and and plays analogue synthesizers. In 2016 he WAAPA lecturer Tom O’Halloran took out won the WAM Best Jazz Artist award and in Athe Jazz Work of the Year award for his 2011 was a finalist in the Freedman Foundation album Now Noise at the 2017 APRA Art Music Jazz Fellowship, performing at the Sydney Awards, held at Sydney’s City Recital Hall on Opera House. August 22. As part of the entertainment at the APRA The nation’s finest composers, performers awards night, WAAPA Classical Music graduate and educators from the realms of jazz, and sessional lecturer, cellist Tristen Parr experimental and art music converged to see 11 performed finalist Cat Hope’s Shadow of Mill national and eight state-based winners named (1st movement). The late, great Graham Wood as part of the seventh annual event. was honoured in a tribute to those members Now Noise, featuring O’Halloran’s original of the Australian music community who have DANCING compositions, is the second album for Perth passed in the last year. outfit Memory of Elements (MoE), comprised The WA Award for Jazz Work of the Year was WILDING OFFERS of O’Halloran on piano, Jamie Oehlers and awarded to WAAPA graduate and sessional THE DREAM Carl Mackey on saxophones, Simon Jeans on lecturer, drummer Daniel Susnjar for Help You UNIQUE VOICE guitar, Pete Jeavons on doublebass and Ben Along Your Way. Photo by Daniel Boud Vanderwal on drums. Congratulations also to WAAPA’s good WAAPA GRADUATE JOINS In addition to his work with MoE, O’Halloran friends at Tura New Music for picking up the A CUTTING-EDGE BRITISH he multi-talented Megan Wilding took to the leads his own original jazz piano trio, conducts Award for Excellence in a Regional Area - Tura DANCE COMPANY TBelvoir St Theatre stage in July as part of Eamon Flack’s production of The Rover, starring Photo by Tony Mott Photography Tony Photo by orchestras, composes experimental music, New Music for their 2016 Regional Program. Late last year, dancer Tia Hockey was in 2014. Since then, he has developed a alongside and Nikki Shiels. invited to join the London-based Alexander reputation for ambitious and intricately- Whitley Dance Company to research and crafted dance works. Only two months earlier, in the same theatre, Wilding was awarded the Balnaves Foundation develop a new work. Six months later, “I am drawn to the technicality, physicality 8 Minutes premiered on June 27-28 at Indigenous Playwright’s Award for 2017 at an event PLAYWRITING PASSION PROJECT and overall aesthetic of his style,” says during National Reconciliation Week. Her $25,000 Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Britain’s leading Hockey. “His career is admirable and I am FOUR NEW SHORT PLAYS ENJOY A SELL-OUT SEASON AT WAAPA dance venue. prize is comprised of a $15,000 commission to eager to learn, grow and be challenged by write a new play and a $10,000 cash prize. In June, WAAPA presented a season of Made in collaboration with solar scientists this opportunity to work with the company.” Wilding completed WAAPA’s Aboriginal Theatre bite-sized theatrical treats that showcased from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, The seven dancers in the company are course in 2012 before being accepted into the the breathtakingly original work of four local the title refers to the length of time it takes drawn from England, Scotland, Sweden, 3-year Acting course. In her graduating year, 2015, playwrights: Hellie Turner, Chris Isaacs, Gita for the sun’s light to reach the Earth. Spain and Australia. Wilding was awarded the Sally Burton Award for Bezard and Finn O’Branagáin. Tia describes working on 8 Minutes Hockey says this cultural diversity makes her performance of Shakespeare. Petits Fours was commissioned by WAAPA as a highly interactive process, in which for an exciting group dynamic. “Everybody “Being chosen as the recipient of the Balnaves with funds from Playwriting Australia and the Whitley and his chief creative collaborators had something unique to offer. I am very Award means the world to me,” said Wilding when Minderoo Foundation. — scientist Hugh Mortimer, video artist pleased to be working amongst such Tal Rosner, composer Daniel Wohl and presented with the award. “I’m so grateful to the The plays were performed by WAAPA’s inspiring and supportive people.” the cast of seven dancers – influenced Balnaves Foundation and to Belvoir for believing 2nd Year Acting students under the direction In addition to 8 Minutes, Hockey has and informed the approach to creating in me and giving me the platform and support to of Perth directors Susie Conte, Trudy Dunn, been contracted for two more projects movement. strengthen and explore my voice, just like it has Nicole Stinton and Julia Jarel. that will keep her with the company for done for all the phenomenal previous winners. “Alex guided us through endless Multi-award-winning playwright Hellie the coming year. In September Hockey choreographic tasks. We were constantly “I entered the Balnaves Award because I had a Turner presented her provocatively titled began re-rehearsing 8 Minutes for a tour exploring, creating, developing, refining, story that I really wanted to write and the award work, Self Portrait Masturbating, a “peep- to four English cities before performing in altering and manipulating material. It was will give me the tools to fully invest in the process hole” into the life of Austrian artist Egon Karlsruhe, Germany. She will then work of writing.” physically demanding, mentally challenging with the company on a Royal Opera House Schiele. This work followed hard on the heels Photo by Jon Green and very enjoyable.” For her commissioned play, Wilding is planning of Turner’s adaptation of The Lighthouse Girl, Production photo from “Petits Fours”, from left: Ellen Robson, Jessie Lancaster and Michael Cameron commission in response to Frederick to write about an Indigenous woman who takes which recently completed a sell-out season Alexander Whitley, a former Ashton’s ballet, Sylvia, before developing a Trudy Dunn, who directed Isaacs’ play, possibilities along the way, was invaluable,” violent revenge against a man who sexually at Black Swan State Theatre Company. says the playwright’s availability allowed him says Nicole Stinton, director of Remarkable. choreographic affiliate of the Royal Ballet, new piece entitled Gandini Juggling. started his eponymous dance company assaulted her as a child. Director Susie Conte enjoyed the many to be an integral, practical element to the The Election by playwright/director/ Anthea Williams, Belvoir’s Associate Director of ways the rehearsal process was informed by realisation of the text in performance. “These Tia Hockey (front) performing “8 Minutes” with the Alexander Whitley Dance Company. dramaturg Finn O’Branagáin is based on the New Work and a member of the Balnaves judging having the playwright on hand. factors resulted in an exciting, shared intent Photos by Johan Persson increasing showmanship and ‘entertainment panel describes Wilding as “a force, a unique voice that drove the process through to fruition,” “The process of workshops with the value’ of the 2016 Australian and US with excellent writing craft and a passion for telling she says. cast was a hugely useful one for me, and elections, and how the media coverage contemporary stories.” especially the young actors, to see how a Gita Bezard’s short play Remarkable is centres on personality politics over policy. A proud Gamilaroi woman, Wilding also play is shaped over time and by input from all about the art of subtle manipulation and how Julia Jarel, director of The Election, coordinates Belvoir’s Writers Group for Women the key creatives,” Conte says. the language of progress can be used as believes that Petits Fours was an of Colour. Chris Isaacs’ play The Emancipation of a weapon. exceptionally innovative and worthwhile The Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Alice Paws or Bite The Hand was selected “To be able to see the script develop experience for all involved. “I would Playwright’s Award was established to encourage to represent WAAPA at the 2017 Asia Pacific from infancy into something more mature, thoroughly recommend a similar project be the telling of Indigenous stories with the aim of Bureau Theatre Schools Festival in Shanghai to have input into that process, to help to mounted again in future years for the benefit fostering understanding and reconciliation between in June, just prior to the Perth season. overcome textual challenges and also have of upcoming actors, directors and writers.” Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. the opportunity to experiment with ideas and

Page 6 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Page 7 ART SONG SUCCESS ARTISTIC CONNECTIONS In July, accompanist and coach par excellence Now in its fourth year, WIASA offers young singers Dr Graham Johnson returned to the WAAPA and pianists an outstanding opportunity to develop THE MERRY WIDOW SHOWCASES THE International Art Song Academy to lead a week their training and performance of art song through DEPTH OF WAAPA TALENT of master classes on the songs of Hugo Wolf and the mentorship and guidance of internationally Franz Schubert. renowned visiting artists. This year’s participants He was joined by internationally renowned tenor came from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. s part of West Australian Opera’s In addition, graduates Harriet and Director of the Cardiff International Academy of At the Gala Concert at Government House 50th Anniversary celebrations, a O’Shannessy, Mark Hurst and Ileana Voice, Dennis O’Neill CBE, who lent his expertise in Ballroom, Dr Graham Johnson was presented with new production of Franz Lehár’s The Rinaldi were members of the WA Chorus A the performance of Italian songs: Verdi, Donizetti, an Honorary Doctorate from ECU. Merry Widow opened in July at Perth’s His and WAAPA graduate Breanna Skewes Bellini and more. Majesty’s Theatre. Directed by Graeme was one of the professional dancers. Murphy, the production was “bubbling over While it may not seem the with opulence and mirth,” according to the 5 usual career path for a dancer, star review in Limelight Magazine. Skewes believes the Starring in the lead role of Danilo multi-disciplinary nature Danilovich, Music Theatre graduate of opera makes it a Alexander Lewis was praised for his stimulating platform elegant dancing and delightfully light for dance artists. lyric tenor voice – his “Fred Astaire looks “To have all and moves.” this talent under Lewis is forging an enviable career the same roof, as a ‘cross-over’ artist, being equally as collaborating comfortable in music theatre and opera. together, is After his time at WAAPA, Lewis completed really electrifying,” the Merola Opera Program in San she says. Francisco and the Metropolitan Opera’s This is the fourth Lindemann Young Artist Development Opera Australia Program in New York. production that Skewes A global artist, he has performed for New has danced in, following WIASA Gala Concert at the Government House Ballroom: in ceremonial robes (centre left to right) ECU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Steve Chapman CBE, Dr Graham Johnson, York’s Metropolitan Opera, the Komische in 2015, Turandot in 2016 – where the Head of Classical Voice Patricia Price, WAAPA’s Associate Dean of Music, Prof. Stewart Smith and ECU Chancellor Dr Hendy Cowan AO. Oper Berlin, and last year made his Royal cast performed on a custom-built stage Photo by Stephen Heath. Opera House Covent Garden debut. over the water of Sydney Harbour – and a In 2015 he performed the role of John performance last year in the Sydney Opera From left: Mark Hurst*, Mark Alderson, Jonathan Brain*, Alexander Lewis*(centre back), Wormley in the world premiere of Matthew House for the New Year’s Eve Gala. Sam Roberts-Smith*, Thomas Friberg and Andrew Foote. (*WAAPA graduates) Aucoin’s opera Crossing for the American “It’s a really exciting environment to be Repertory Theatre. Of his performance as in,” she says. “Every show is different, with FOUR FINALS FOR the wounded young soldier, The New York a new director and location, a new set is Times wrote: “The affecting young tenor built for every production and they’re the Alexander Lewis brings cagey intensity to most extravagant costumes. KEIGHTLEY the role, singing by turns with flashes of “To have now had the opportunity to defiance and pleading despair.” be alongside Graeme Murphy and Janet This year bass Paull-Anthony Keightley before landing a Young Artist’s position with the After his star turn in The Merry Widow, Vernon as they create a new work has secured a finals place in four of Australia’s biggest WA Opera. He made his professional debut with Lewis will revisit the role of John Wormley been a in a lifetime opportunity.” competitions for classical singers. the company last year in Gianni Schicchi before in a remounting of Crossing at the Brooklyn Skewes credits her time at WAAPA The WAAPA Classical Voice graduate, who is appearing as Sciarrone in Tosca. Academy of Music in New York, and the for providing her not only with the tools currently a member of the Young Artists Program “Being a Young Artist with WA Opera has been title role in with Opera Australia and opportunities to dance but also for at West Australian Opera, was named a finalist in brilliant,” says Keightley. “The company has and the Komische Oper Berlin. giving her a wealth of connections out in Front: Emma Pettemerides performing in “The Merry Widow”. the Opera Foundation for Young Australia’s Lady offered me support in my artist development as Lewis was not the only WAAPA the industry. Fairfax New York Scholarship; was awarded the well as numerous off stage experiences that have graduate in The Merry Widow. Singers “The connections I made at WAAPA ROSL Arts Scholarship, the Canberra Symphony been equally as helpful.” Emma Pettermerides, Andrew Foote, have been invaluable. WAAPA graduates Orchestra Prize and the Christine Leaves Prize at Sam Roberts-Smith and Jonathan Brain Upcoming engagements for Keightley include are always willing to help each other out. the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition; all contributed performances that were Colline in La Bohème with Freeze Frame Opera “I think a really wonderful thing about placed second in the and Richard review worthy. and Zuniga in Carmen with the Queensland WAAPA is that it has so many different Bonynge Bel Canto Award; and won the Opera Symphony Orchestra. “Emma Pettemerides was big-eyed and faculties that are all interconnected. It’s Foundation for Young Australia’s Deutsche Oper The 2012 WAAPA graduate values the variety sweet-voiced as the flirtatious Valencienne,” important to know how the machine works Berlin Award which sees him join the company’s of his time at WAAPA. “Not one day at WAAPA wrote Rosalind Appleby in Limelight. so that you know your part and appreciate ensemble for 2018/19. “Baritone Andrew Foote’s comic excellence was the same. And the friends I made - passionate the people working alongside you. After graduating from WAAPA in 2012, Keightley was put to good use as the foolish Baron individuals that managed to teach me so much!” For now, that appreciation will continue went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music Zeta while Sam Roberts-Smith and with her cast-mates in The Merry Widow, Jonathon Brain were quite ridiculous in their as she tours into 2018 with the show. rivalry for Hanna’s fortune.” Breanna Skewes (second from right) performing in “The Merry Widow”. Photos by James Rogers for West Australian Opera Page 8 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Page 9 DANCE COUP A WORLD-LEADING DANCE COMPANY AND WAAPA SET BENCHMARK COLLABORATION AAPA’s dance students were treated to a ten-day workshop in August with two dancers from the acclaimed Tanztheatre WWuppertal Pina Bausch dance company. Julie Shanahan and Rainer Behr taught the Jooss-Leeder Technique and repertoire from the iconic canon of the late, great choreographer Pina Bausch. This workshop marks the start of the Pina Bausch Training and Repertory Project, a unique three-year artistic collaboration that puts WAAPA at the forefront of international contemporary dance training. The only other training institution to have been the beneficiary of a similar LINK IN FRANCE project has been New York’s famous Juilliard School. The late Kurt Jooss is widely regarded as the founder of WAAPA’S HONOURS DANCE COMPANY PERFORMS OVERSEAS tanztheatre (dance theatre). He collaborated for 23 years with the brilliant dancer and educationalist Sigurd Leeder, Fresh off the back of their successful Borders. Crossing Borders was a structured a beneficial and enlightening experience,” pioneering modern dance. Pina Bausch trained under season of Twin Share at WAAPA in May, LINK improvisation incorporating interaction says LINK dancer Lauren Catellani. “It was Kurt Jooss and is considered one of the most influential Dance Company toured to France in the mid- between the dancers and the audience helpful for extending our knowledge of choreographers of the modern era. year break. through the use of voice and touch. choreographers and artists and broadened our awareness of what is going on in the dance Next year will see a similar workshop held at WAAPA From June 16 to July 19, eleven Honours “We had devised some material in the few field internationally.” and in 2019 it is anticipated that the project will culminate Photos by Kathy Wheatley dance students travelled with Masters student weeks prior to leaving for Europe around Rainer Behr (top) and Julie Shanahan (below) with WAAPA dance students in the remount of a Pina Bausch work exclusively on WAAPA Emma Fishwick and LINK Artistic Director themes that Michael [Whaites] had discussed Caitlin Gilchrist agrees, adding that LINK Dance students. Last year, Shanahan returned to the Adelaide Festival to Michael Whaites to Marseille and Montpellier with the two other directors, Léa Meaari and also received positive feedback for their for the creation of a new collaborative work, Christine Fricker, which we shared with the performances. “It was a successful once-in-a- Adelaide-born Julie Shanahan has been a dancer with perform a Bausch piece entitled Nelken (Carnations). rehearsals and performances. French dancers and continued to shape and life-time opportunity,” she says. Tanztheatre Wuppertal Pina Bausch for nearly 30 years. Dancer WAAPA is delighted to have Shanahan and Behr sharing their incorporate into their ideas,” says Brampton. and choreographer Rainer Behr, another long-time Tanztheatre expertise and insights into performing in this world-renowned In Marseille, the dancers adapted their work Following their time in France, the LINK Wuppertal company member, is Shanahan’s husband. dance company with its students and looks forward to the results Skinless by Spanish choreographer Carmelo “Overall the highlight of our time in Marseille dancers embarked on individual secondments: Segura for an outdoor performance. for me was the overwhelmingly enthusiastic Cassidy Mann participated in the Henny Shanahan first saw the German dance company at the 1982 of this extraordinary collaboration. response from the French audiences.” Jurriens Stichting Summer Intensive, working Adelaide Festival when Pina Bausch brought her performers “Performing Skinless in a square near WAAPA has another connection to Pina Bausch: Michael with Eric Beauchesne of Kidd Pivot; Sasha from Wuppertal, an industrial city in western Germany, to the port was a very different experience to LINK then travelled to Montpellier in the Whaites, Artistic Director of LINK Dance Company, was a Brampton, Lauren Sherlock and Karen Haruta Australia for the first time to stage a trilogy of shows, innovatively performing it in a theatre due to the work being south of France where they had been invited member of the company from 1995-2000. participated in a six-day Gaga Intensive in fusing dance and theatre. Shanahan was just 19 years old but it heavily based on lighting and floor work,” says by Didier Theron to perform Twin Share. Barcelona under artistic director Aya Israeli was clear to her that she wanted to perform with the company. LINK dancer Sasha Brampton. “We had to Being in the southern French city during the By kind permission and support of with guest teachers Bosmat Nossan and Guy Two years later she moved to Europe and in 1988, Shanahan strip back the work and adapt some movement Montpellier Dance Festival gave the students Pina Bausch Foundation/Wuppertal. Shomroni, both former company members of successfully auditioned for Pina Bausch. around wearing sneakers and being on the opportunity to experience contemporary concrete – we were very dirty afterwards!” European dance works such as David Ohad Naharin’s Batsheva Dance Company; and Kishor Kumar attended the Malta LINK also collaborated with French Wampach’s Endo and Marlene Monteiro International Arts Festival. choreographers Christine Fricker and Léa Frietas’ Bacchantes.

DRANDIC IS QTC’S DRAMATURG Meaari, and four of their company dancers, “Being able to see such a range of LINK Dance Company in France Award-winning actor, dramaturg and director Isaac Drandic is resident Dramaturg at Queensland on a site-specific piece entitled Crossing performances throughout the whole tour was Photos by Emma Fishwick Theatre under the artistic directorship of Sam Strong. Drandic, a 1999 Aboriginal Theatre graduate, provides literary management and dramaturgy support to Queensland Theatre’s programming department from his base in . His role includes dramaturgy on various works this year including My Name is Jimi, which had its world premiere in July in Cairns before heading to Brisbane for a sell-out season. This original new work stars WAAPA graduate Jimi Bani (Mabo, The Straits, ), who co-wrote the show with Dimple Bani and Jason Klarwein. Through music, dance, stand-up and storytelling, Bani tells the story of his family and his place of home on Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait. Drandic will also join the judging panel for the 2018/19 Queensland Premier’s Drama Award. Page 10 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Page 11 TIMPANI TALES FROM LONDON PERCUSSIONIST TEGAN LEBRUN WINS PRESTIGIOUS TIMPANI AWARD FESTIVAL OF DANCE myself as a person and although things have been hard at times, I wouldn’t change any of it WAAPA STUDENTS TAKE OUT PRESTIGIOUS for the world. DANCE PRIZES It seems like only yesterday that I was nervously awaiting my first percussion lesson In June, a record number of students came last year’s Genee International Ballet Competition with Neil Percy (Principal Percussionist of the together at the John Curtin College of the Arts in by taking out both the prestigious Linley Wilson London Symphony Orchestra), and now I have Fremantle to compete in the Royal Academy of Scholarship and the prize for Best Senior Female. graduated with a Master of Arts Degree with Dance (RAD) Australia’s Festival of Dance. Distinction and the James Blades Prize for Best Senior Classical went to Angel Wright Warner Timpani. Unlike the Zildjian Prizes, which go The festival, which takes place over five days, is a (Diploma - Elite Performance) who also won the to the students with the top two exam marks, springboard for many aspiring and pre-professional Adjudicator’s Prize for Best Female Dancer. The the Blades Timpani and Percussion Prizes are dancers who compete for prestigious scholarships Linley Wilson Artistic Scholarship was awarded discretionary. Each year one percussion and and awards across various categories. to Keely Geier (Diploma - Elite Performance) and one timpani prize are awarded to students who The competition was adjudicated by guest Best Senior Contemporary went to Portia Secker the Head of Department, Principal and the professionals Lana Jones (principal with The (Diploma - Elite Performance). Examination Board feel have demonstrated a Australian Ballet), Daniel Gaudiello (former principal WAAPA sessional Dance Lecturer Diana de Vos highly skilled level of performance and a great with The Australian Ballet), Steven Etienne (former OAM was awarded a RAD Fellowship for her many deal of dedication to their instrumental studies. Dutch National Ballet dancer), Cédric Ygnace years of outstanding and exceptional service to the (ballet master at West Australian Ballet) and Daryl Academy and to the art of ballet. 2014 Honours percussion graduate Tegan been a dream of mine since I started playing Winning the Blades Prize was a very special Brandwood (former dancer with The Australian LeBrun has achieved a childhood dream by percussion. It feels as though it’s been a moment and a wonderful way to end my A gala performance on the final evening of Ballet, West Australian Ballet, Australian Dance completing a Masters degree at London’s long road to get to this point, but I have been studies at the Royal Academy. I have made the festival, which reprised the award-winning Theatre and Expressions Dance Company.) prestigious Royal Academy of Music. fortunate to have the support of my family and great strides in all aspects of my playing as a performances, also featured a guest performance student here, and have worked extremely hard A number of WAAPA students excelled in the of Black Attitude by WAAPA’s 3rd Year Bachelor of Tegan starred in the Defying Gravity friends (both back home and here in the UK) to make the most of the opportunity to study competition, reinforcing WAAPA’s reputation as Arts Conversion students, choreographed by Jayne percussion ensemble throughout her study at and have been very lucky thus far to have been under guidance of some of the best players in a centre for excellence in dance training. Evelyn Smeulders. and Evelyn Roberts performed La Foule WAAPA, showing outstanding skills across all taught by some very dedicated teachers. the world. Roberts, currently completing her Bachelor of Arts choreographed by Kim McCarthy. of the percussion instruments – but her special Living and studying in London has been in Dance, followed up her success as a finalist in love has always been the timpani. While at everything I hoped it would be, but hasn’t been Looking back, I have no doubt that my WAAPA Tegan won the position of Principal without its challenges. Adjusting to a new city experiences as a percussion student at From top: Evelyn Roberts, Keely Geier and Diana de Vos OAM Timpanist of the Australian Youth Orchestra and and new way of life was a little tricky at first but WAAPA contributed to me being afforded the Photos courtesy of David Mueller Dance Photography she toured Europe with the AYO, playing in the now I have started to think of London as my opportunity to study at the Royal Academy of world’s leading concert halls. home away from home; I have made so many Music. WAAPA provided the perfect springboard into the rest of my career, and my time there in Now she has graduated from the Royal good memories here over the past two years Perth was spent much like my time at RAM has Academy of Music, winning the James Blades and have met some truly wonderful people. MUSIC THEATRE’S NEW been – working hard every day to make the Prize for Timpani on her way. Tegan’s final Studying at the Royal Academy has definitely most of every opportunity. I know that, had I not concert for RAM was a performance of Gustav been a roller-coaster experience – there have TRAILBLAZER completed studies at WAAPA and worked with Mahler’s epic Second Symphony in London’s been many highs and lows, many challenging arrod Draper, WAAPA’s first Aboriginal “Being the first Indigenous man to some incredibly inspiring and passionate people Royal Albert Hall. Tegan writes from London: moments and equally many joyous ones. I have Music Theatre student, is the recipient of be accepted into the Music Theatre there, I would not have become the musician I the 2017 Edith Cowan University Vice- course at WAAPA is my biggest “Attending the Royal Academy of Music has learnt so much about my playing and about J am today.” Chancellor’s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait personal achievement,” he says. Islander Scholarship. Jarrod said studying at WAAPA was This scholarship is worth $2,500 not only a dream come true for him but per semester until the completion of an could also have a positive impact for others who ACTING SITE GOES undergraduate degree. want to make a career in their own chosen field. Draper, a Wiradjuri man from central New “I have always been encouraged by my GLOBAL South Wales, is currently in the second year of parents to follow my dreams and be proud of Acting graduates Andrew Hearle and Luke McMahon are taking their WAAPA’s Music Theatre course. my Indigenous heritage. WAAPA training global. Since 2010 they have been working on an acting At 15 years of age Jarrod moved away from “Encouraging and promoting education resource website called StageMilk.com home to attend boarding school where his within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Above: Jarrod Draper performing in WAAPA’s 2017 production of “42nd Street”. Originally an Australian theatre review site, StageMilk has become one of talents shone on and off the stage. He attracted communities is important because education Photo by Jon Green the world’s largest websites for actors, with over 60,000 readers a month. lead roles in the school productions, won creates empowerment. Education makes “When you’re doing something you love it just The site offers scenes, monologues and advice on taking an acting career several theatre awards, sung solo at the Empire us all equal and opens up unbelievable and seems to make sense and come with ease.” to the next level. State Building and scored 100 per cent in Music achievable opportunities, such as attending Selection for the ECU Vice-Chancellor’s “We’ve been really lucky,” says co-founder McMahon. “We’re top of Google in his HSC. WAAPA,” Jarrod says. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander for all kinds of search terms, from female monologues to acting games.” He also represented his school and town at “The scholarship will assist me financially and Scholarship is based on academic merit and Much of the sites’ success relies on the practical advice that Luke and Andy state level in swimming, rugby, touch football, relieve some of the pressure associated with demonstrated leadership and contribution to learnt during their time at WAAPA. basketball and soccer. the demands of the course,” he said. the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. “Our time at WAAPA was invaluable,” says Hearle. “The staff were However, despite this impressive list of “I have goals of performing on Broadway and incredible, they taught us so much.” personal triumphs, Jarrod says he’s most proud with the skills and training I’ll acquire at WAAPA, Jarrod received his scholarship on July 3 at a of his most recent achievement. plus my own hard work, determination and flag raising ceremony that marked the beginning Now these two entrepreneurs are taking those lessons and passing them dedication I have no doubt I can achieve them. of ECU’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. on to a wider audience of actors. From left: Luke McMahon and Andrew Hearle Photo courtesy of StageMilk Page 12 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Page 13 SALLY BURTON WINNERS VALE GRAHAM WOOD

Photo by Kathy Wheatley Joshua Nicholls with Janis Siegel (Manhattan Transfer) From right: Mitchell Bourke, Sally Burton and Stephanie Somerville 3rd Year Acting students Stephanie Theatre Company, Clare Watson, NYU JAZZ TOUR Somerville and Mitchell Bourke have director/designer Lawrie Cullen-Tait and In July, WAAPA’s 2nd and 3rd Year Jazz students won the 2017 Sally Burton Awards. writer/director Will O’Mahoney who were attended a two-week intensive summer school in the jazz Nurturing young artistic talent has unanimous in their decision. capital of the world – . long been a passion for Sally Burton, Many of the past recipients of the The course, held on the jazz campus of New York the widow of the great Welsh actor Sally Burton Award have gone on to University in Greenwich Village, consisted of workshops, Richard Burton. All students in 3rd Year greater success in film, television and music theory classes and ensemble rehearsals, and Acting at WAAPA are invited to perform theatre. Past winners include James culminated in two public performances and two recording for the annual prizes – one for a male, Mackay and Matthew Levett who both sessions for each ensemble. In addition, the students one for a female – worth $2,000 each. went on to win the prestigious Heath enjoyed the wealth of amazing jazz on offer in the New The students are required to perform Ledger Scholarship; Abby Earl is York jazz clubs and a spot of sightseeing. a Shakespearean text monologue or enjoying a long-running role in the hit duologue. The judging is based on the TV series A Place To Call Home; 2015’s Here 2nd Year Bachelor of Jazz Performance student winners Ben Kindon, who stepped Joshua Nicholls describes the trip: ability to speak the verse, connect to the text, interpret the content and present out of drama school into a lead role in “The NYU facilities provided us with some excellent the finished work. Barracuda, and Megan Wilding, who resources: soundproof practice rooms, well-situated is the 2017 winner of the Balnaves Stephanie Somerville played Queen accommodation that was just walking distance from Foundation Indigenous Playwright’s Margaret in a powerful scene from New York’s iconic jazz clubs such as the Blue Note and Award; and Claire Lovering, who scored Henry VI and Mitchell Bourke gave the Village Vanguard, and a large pool of experienced, a lead role in the Nine Network’s 2016 a poignant and touching portrayal of knowledgeable and helpful staff. television drama series, Hyde & Seek. Richard II. This year’s judges were By hearing jazz music in its intended context and Artistic Director of Black Swan State developing our own music with experienced lecturers, the NYU course allowed us to fully explore our artistic ambitions in a supportive and dynamic environment. In order to fully absorb the intricacies, the ethos and the spirit of jazz, you have to immerse yourself in the culture and in the music; as a thriving hub at the epicentre of the global jazz scene, there is no better place than New York to expand your understanding. n Wednesday 19 July, WAAPA lost renowned international artists including and effects of Performance Related Medical On any given night we were spoilt for choice in terms of a most admired and respected Frank Foster, Sam Rivers, Ernie Watts, Disorders (PRMD) among tertiary-trained gigs to see, with endless venues featuring some of the Ocolleague, friend, teacher and mentor Sheila Jordan, Dave O’Higgins, Cindy jazz pianists in Australia and the United biggest names in jazz – Ron Carter, Bill Frisell, Chris when Associate Dean Associate Professor Blackman, Dave Weckl, Claire Martin, States. His work is published internationally Potter and Greg Osby, among countless others. Graham Wood PhD passed peacefully Reggie Workman, Ingred Jensen, Mark in the Performing Arts Medical Association surrounded by his family and loved ones. Murphy, Greg Osby, Bob Sheppard, Carmen (PAMA) journal and he made regular Those of us who decided to sightsee sought out Lundy, Chris McNulty, Paul Bollenback, presentations at the Performing Arts Medical iconic landmarks including the Empire State Building, Dr Graham Wood was a musician, educator and entrepreneur. His history with George Garzone, Mike Moreno, Gretchen Association annual symposium in Aspen, the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station and the 9/11 Parlarto, Howard Levy, Jon Gordon and Colorado. Memorial. The amount of rich culture and history that WAAPA stretches back 27 years from his time as an undergraduate student through Fred Wesley. As an entrepreneur he started Graham’s impact on this institution, is so densely packed into the city was not only eye- the Perth International Jazz Festival and the opening, but was invaluable to our growth as artists and to his appointment as Associate Dean, its students, staff, patrons and the entire Photo by Stephen Heath successful Ellington Jazz Club. as human beings. Teaching and Learning in 2016. Western Australian music community cannot On Saturday 12 August at the conclusion of The Bach Connection concert As a professional pianist, arranger and Graham was a great advocate for music be understated. I’d like to give my sincerest thanks to Jamie Oehlers, performed in the Music Auditorium, Dr Stewart Symonds, donor of the Stewart education and was very proud of his PhD Chris Tarr, Dave Schroder and all the staff at NYU, composer he toured extensively nationally Symonds Piano Collection, received his Honorary Doctorate from ECU Chancellor and internationally and worked with many research which covered Prevelance, factors WAAPA and ECU who went above and beyond to make Dr Hendy Cowan AO. this life-changing trip possible.” ECU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Steve Chapman CBE congratulates Dr Stewart Symonds with Executive Dean Prof. Julie Warn AM and Prof. Geoffrey Lancaster. Page 14 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Inside WAAPA Issue 49 Page 15 42nd Street Chicago

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Cover Credits Front Cover Sarah Contos Presents: The Long Kiss Goodbye, 2016, Art Gallery of South Australia, 2017. Photo by Saul Seed Back Cover All photos by Jon Green Photographer except Tilt and Radio Active photos by Stephen Heath. The Songbook Sessions photo by James Kilian

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