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.
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