The Creation of Now

An immersive spectacle of violin, circus, roller skating, theatre, and dance

In 2015, the town of Kworabup Denmark authored The Creation of Now, a multi-layered contemporary performance that creates a new world of imagination and mythology. Ten years later, Southern Edge Arts created a new version that speaks to our sense of ‘now’ in the Great Southern. 

Full program

Traps & Ladders 2024

Traps & Ladders – A Celebration of Conservation Through Performance 

On Saturday, 16th November 2024, Southern Edge Arts and Act Belong Commit presented Traps & Ladders at Emu Point, Albany—an outdoor contemporary circus performance that paid tribute to the dedication of local conservation, landcare, and environmental groups. This free community event was attended by 500 people and celebrated the community’s efforts to restore and protect our natural ecosystems.  

Set against the stunning backdrop of Miaritch Oyster Harbour, Traps & Ladders transported audiences into an underwater world through breathtaking aerial and dance performances on silks, trapeze, rope, and lyra. Our talented young performers brought to life the journeys of fish navigating traps and ladders in an ever-changing environment, weaving together themes of life, loss, and restoration.  

This project was deeply inspired by the cultural heritage of Menang people, local ecological knowledge, and the ongoing work of groups such as the Oyster Harbour Catchment Group. It illustrated the impact of community action on the health of our waterways and fish populations, highlighting how collective efforts can drive real change.  

The evening was a special opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the progress made in restoring Oyster Harbour, from improved water quality to replanting seagrass. By combining science, culture, and art, Traps & Ladders aimed to inspire hope and action for climate resilience, reminding us all of the power of working together to care for our environment.  

Watch the full performance: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1039543216

 ARTISTIC AND ADVISORY TEAM

Cultural advisor: Harley Coyne

Oyster Harbour Catchment Group: Bruce Radys

Seagrass Restoration Advice: Geoff Bastyan

Artistic Director: Annette Carmichael

General Manager: Megan Turpin

Circus Director: Cassy Turner

Circus Teaching Artist: Jackson Burrell

Sound Design: Campbell Creswick

Additional Music: Josten Myburgh

Tapping Sticks & Fish Traps story: Harley Coyne

Costume Design: Mand Markey

Dramaturg: Simon Woodward

Lighting Design / Production: James Savage

Stage Manager: Jenna Costello

Production Technician: Jon Davey

Makeup: Gladis Markey, Freya Mitchell, Mae Elliott

Circus Support / Backstage: Harpo Grant

Workshop Support: Ashleigh Pritchard

Secondment Dance Student: Hunter Ewen

Marketing & Production: Mae Elliott

Administration Assistant: Ajia Crosby

Photography: Nic Duncan

Videography: Tom and Ann Croucher

PERFORMERS

Cormorant:

Jackson Burrell

Fish:

Nina Giuntoli

Jenny Guenther

Caitlin Pritchard

Ebony Barker

Erin McCahon

Maggie Staude

Meg Furphy

Seagrass:

Bianca Weller

Charlotte Neely

Grace Franzinelli

Tahlee Grinter

Joseph Neely

Yazmin Ryan

SOUTHERN EDGE ARTS BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

Chairperson: Natalie Reeves

Deputy Chair: Terrell Lacey

Treasurer: Linda Taylor

Secretary: Clair Trainor

Committee: Jasmine Reeves, Imogen Taylor, Tobias Merkel, Mand Markey

Youth Representative: Nyomi Johnson

We especially acknowledge the work of Menang leaders, Oyster Harbour Catchment Group as well as the many farmers, scientists, volunteers and community groups that continue to protect the health of Miaritch Oyster Harbour.

SUPPORTERS AND FUNDERS

Traps and Ladders is presented by Southern Edge Arts and Act Belong Commit.  The project is sponsored by City of Albany and Southern Ports. Southern Edge Arts is supported by the State Government of Western Australia through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Regional Arts WA.

Coco's Cabaret 2023

Emerge with us from the verdant cold of winter for a delightful and intimate evening at Coco’s Cabaret. You will be hosted to a night of performances, from song, dance and circus, by artists rising in their journey on stage.

Coco's Cabaret consisted of 14 acts showcasing various forms of circus, aerials, dance, and clowning. SEA's space was transformed into Coco's Cabaret for an intimate evening full of laughs and intrigue, with an intermission break for the Albany Agricultural Show fireworks. Performance levels ranged from first-time performers entering the stage for the first time to skilled professionals.

Director's Note - Jackson Burrell

The excitement, nerves and endless possibilities that come bursting out of the seams during the process of creating a show have been a fantastic thing, but the truly special part has been the journey of experimenting alongside each performer to bring to life, throw out, refine and share wild and creative ideas on the stage. The set design, the lighting, the sound and the production have met the performers and their acts to weave into existence this generous and rich world that we have invited you in to be a part of.

It is a special thing to put something on stage, it is a special thing to create a stage and an experience such as this one, and it is a special thing to be able to join us in this sharing and take in all of its wonders, so please enjoy and hold close any and all of the feelings that tonight may bring up.

Creative Team

Director: Jackson Burrell

Producer: Megan Turpin

Lighting & Sound: Luke Simpson & Flynn Huntley (Plantagenet Production Services)

Set Design: Kelly Fregon

Set Construction: Kore Ford, Megan Turpin, Jackson Burrell & Cassy Turner

Poster Design: Chelsea Ceicela

Front of House: Kore Ford