I Hate It Here? 2026

I Hate It Here? – A Surreal Success in Denmark

In March, Denmark’s emerging theatre-makers unleashed something wonderfully strange at the Denmark Civic Centre. I Hate It Here?, a sharp, hilarious new script written by participants of the Southern Edge Arts Theatre Program and directed by Deb Edmondson, delivered a bold, unpredictable performance to our community.

Every so often, a show comes along that captures the brilliant, creative spirit of Denmark: the humour, the willingness to embrace the weirdly wonderful, and the drive to amplify youth voices across the Great Southern region. I Hate It Here? did exactly that.

Inside The Facility

Set inside "The Facility," a chaotic world filled with shifting hallways, bizarre pies, conspiracy-hungry detectives, and staff who definitely knew more than they were letting on—the performance was outrageously funny, surreal, and entirely original.

What made the show so special was that it was written entirely by young people aged 16 to 27. At a time when youth voices are too often overlooked, this group of writers and performers delivered a production that moved the way they move: sharp, energetic, and completely their own.

"It’s been incredible watching this theatre work develop so quickly. Classic Denmark. Young creative people with strong ideas about our world and what’s happening in it. It’s a testament to the years and years of work by Debra Edmondson, empowering students at Denmark Senior High School." Annette Carmichael, Artistic Director, Southern Edge Arts

A Fond Farewell

At the edges of the rehearsal room was Theatre Director Deb Edmondson, whose steady presence helped the cast take risks without fear. Supported by experienced actor and teacher Milu Green, Edmondson’s leadership was the quiet backbone of this production.

This performance marked her final show in Denmark before heading off to teach in Kalgoorlie, making the event a wonderful opportunity to celebrate her impact, her humour, and the artistic courage she has fostered across our community over the years.

Production Details

• Production: I Hate It Here?

• Presented by: Southern Edge Arts

• Director: Deb Edmondson (supported by Milu Green)

• Venue: Denmark Civic Centre

• Date: Saturday, March 7

‘I Hate It Here?’ was presented by Southern Edge Arts and supported by the WA Government. Photos by Nic Duncan

https://vimeo.com/1190347190

I Hate It Here - Behind the Scenes

Cast List:

Ashling Jackson

Benjamim Wells

Charlie Haymont

Heath Duggan

Reef White

Riley Coote

Sarah McConigley

Tilly Bradshaw

Violet Atkinson

KAARLA WIRREN (fire spirit) 2026

A night of fire, culture and community.

On Saturday, 16 May 2026, a powerful performance celebrated the resilience of people in the face of historic change. Kaarla Wirren brought strength, spirit, and the fire that connects us all to a packed audience of nearly 1000 people at the Amphitheatre of Albany’s Historic Whaling Station.

Born from the cultural vision of Elder Aunty Carol Pettersen and led by Noongar Director Rachael Colmer, the production invited audiences into a story deeply shaped by culture, resilience, and the enduring significance of fire. As the fire spirit, Kaarla Wirren represented warmth, protection, renewal, and connection to land stewardship and ceremony.

"KAARLA WIRREN brings together contemporary dance and circus with traditional dance. It is a performance that is firstly inspired by the elements of the natural world, earth, air, water and of course fire." Southern Edge Arts Artistic Director Annette Carmichael

Across humanity, fire has long been a place of gathering. It is a space to share stories, connect with one another, and reflect on our shared journeys. Afternoon rains gave way to a clear evening sky, under which families and community members gathered with picnic rugs to witness this spirit. The performance allowed everyone to reflect on the resilience of people and Country through times of change, honouring the past, acknowledging the present, and imagining a shared future.

"It’s very clear that Kaarla Wirren sits within a web of relationships - between Elders, community, young people, Country, story and culture - and that it has been created with care, time and cultural responsibility. Knowing that this vision comes from Aunty Carol and is held by Noongar leadership makes the invitation especially significant." Audience member

Created over eight months alongside local young people, the large-scale work brought together fire artists, dancers, movers, and storytellers in a vibrant, moving celebration of community. The dedication of the participants, artistic team, and teaching artists created a performance that resonated deeply, beautifully demonstrating the power of collaborative youth arts practice.

"It gave our First Nations students the opportunity to connect to their own culture, and it gave our non-indigenous students the chance to connect with First Nations culture. For the broader community, it provided an inclusive experience to enjoy an arts performance and learn more about the ancient traditions of the region." Local Teacher and Audience Member "The opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous young performers to work together on such an important work, and be exposed to local Indigenous elders, is so important for a generational shift in attitudes towards Indigenous people and our shared history." Audience Member

Kaarla Wirren quickly became far more than a stage performance. It transformed into a shared experience of reflection, creativity, and connection. The energy continued into the evening with an after-party featuring DJ Arryth, keeping the community together in the true spirit of gathering that sat at the heart of the work. Ultimately, the project reminded us of the incredible power of storytelling to strengthen community, foster belonging, and provide vital opportunities for young people to express themselves, connect with culture, and contribute to something larger than themselves.

Full program

Performance photography by Astrid Volkze

https://vimeo.com/1200409760

Kaarla Wirren FIRE SPIRIT, behind the scenes documentary by Ann & Tom Productions, with thanks to Regional Arts WA for their ambassador program.

https://vimeo.com/1198357524

Kaarla Wirren FIRE SPIRIT full-length film of the performance by Ann & Tom Productions

ARTISTIC/PRODUCTION TEAM

Concept: Aunty Carol Pettersen

Director / Choreographer: Rachael Colmer

Artistic Director: Annette Carmichael

Dance, Circus & Fire Arts

Lead Circus Artist: Cassy Turner

Theatre Teaching Artist: Simon Woodward

Circus Teaching Artist: Nina Giuntoli

Guest Fire Artist: Sarah Healy

Guest Dancers: Mooditch Nop

Writing

Writer: Linda Bradbury

First Nation Consultant: Aunty Carol Pettersen

Music

Sound Design: Jean-Michel Maujean

Tapping Sticks: Lindsay Dean Snr

Voice Over: Jarrad Inman & Lindsay Dean Snr

Vocals: Rhian Bethan

Double Bass: Jo Chee

Design

Costume Design: Symantha Parr

Lighting Design: Alex Spartalis (GSD Productions)

Costume Volunteer: Fran Thiele

Production

Production Manager: Jenna Costello

Audio Operator: Jon Dodd

Technical Assistants: Jack Turpin, Jack Heslop, Quinn Melling,

Fynn Sivwright and Kye Whitworth

Photographers: Nic Duncan, Astrid Volkze

Photographer/Videographer: Ann and Tom Productions

Fire Safety Officer Kore Ford

Front of House Manager: Mae Elliott

CAST - THE ELEMENTS

Wind

Joel Castle

Fire

Mischa Collin

Tess Court

Nina Giuntoli

Jenny Guenther

Sarah Healy 

Aimee Higgins

Harpo Grant

Erin McCahon

Ashleigh Pritchard

Jasmine Reeves

Cassy Turner 

Air

Harpo Grant

Jenny Guenther

Caitlin Pritchard

Cassy Turner 

Earth

Poppy Bradley

Summer Brown

Bindy Budd

Tali Hook

Aila Hopkinson

Laura Penny

Bella Smith

Shakira Williams

Ailiyah Wynn

Water

Antonia Gorman

Norma Jackamarra

Alice Jefferis

Aleeyah Lucas

Tessie Michael

Freya Rawlinson

Millie Stone

Alyssa Turner

Isabelle Turner

CAST - THE PEOPLE

The Boys 

Mooditch Nop

Lindsay Dean Jnr

Devon Edwards

Zepplin Simpson

Colby Wallam

The Girls

Margaret Collard

Norma Jackamarra

Tessie Michael

Vileasha Michael

Curfew & Chaos

Cleo Edwards

Layla Gorman

Alyssa Turner

Bella Smith

SHOWCASE 2025

In 2025, Southern Edge Arts divided SHOWCASE into two programs across four performances to accommodate the growing number of workshop participants and the audience capacity of our venue. Splitting the event into two shows allowed more young people the opportunity to share their work while ensuring family, friends and community could come together to celebrate their achievements.

Program 1 featured performances from Street Acro Junior, Senior and Intermediate, Smircus, Aerials 2, Adult Aerials and Aerials Troupe.

This program highlighted strength, teamwork and trust, with participants showcasing growing confidence and technical skill through dynamic movement, aerial artistry and playful physical performance. The work reflected the energy and commitment participants have brought to classes throughout the term, as well as the supportive environments created by our teaching artists.

https://vimeo.com/1113132976

Program 2 featured performances from Actors Club, Theatre Ensemble, Big Top Circus, Circus Troupe, Aerials 3 and Aerials 4.

Program 2 celebrated storytelling, performance, and advanced skill development, with participants embracing the challenge of rehearsing and presenting their work to an audience. Through theatre, circus and aerial performance, young people demonstrated creativity, collaboration and courage, sharing work that connected with audiences and highlighted the powerful role creative expression can play in building confidence and belonging.

Across both programs, SHOWCASE offered participants the opportunity not only to perform, but to experience the rewards of persistence, collaboration and artistic expression. These experiences contribute to social and emotional well-being by fostering confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of connection with the SEA family and broader

community.

https://vimeo.com/1113237168