performing detention: breaking cycles of violence

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The performing detention series demonstrates and explores the challenges in breaking cycles of violence.  The work is inspired and responds poetically to the current Australian climate of domestic and family violence, substance misuse, intergenerational trauma and the increasing rates of women and children in prison in Australia including the increase in Aboriginal child removals. These works are an active demonstration of the consequences of the brutal and lingering structures of colonisation.

 

The series continues to explore the lived experience/trauma/healing from the perspectives of:

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• Childhood - Adolescence - Adulthood

• Cultural/Colonial • Mind/Body

• Complicit + learned behaviours

• Lived/Imagined/collective experience

• Past/Current time and space

• Remembering/re-living/re-establishing relationships

• Physical (movement)/Aural (sound)/Visual (lighting)/Symbol (installation)

• Substance misuse + the nature of temptation

• Religious vs Spiritual/Grieving + Healing

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The body of work features multiple iterations across film, photography, installation and performances, the latest a 1.5hr filmed performance at Brisbane's  Metro Arts, Norman Park Substation (2021).  

 

The 3 live performances (30mins each) known as 'The Trilogy' explore current social issues within Australia and have been performed at various events and venues since 2015.

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• (e)Motion - explores the challenges of leaving unhealthy relationships;

• casey - explores the increasing rates of women and children in prison in Australia; and

• making something beautiful - exploring the importance of retaining the smallest flicker of culture

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performing detention: breaking cycles of violence has been in development since 2013. 

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For specific information please visit: www.performingdetention.com

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