Image: Bloody Ink Play – Photo Credit Prudence Upton 2022
Adelaide Festival Centre’s inSPACE Development Program has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 program, featuring 10 compelling works-in-progress that will take centre stage throughout the year.
A new writer in residence will also be joining the initiative as part of writeSPACE, which aims to bridge the gap between creative ideas, writing, and live performances.
The program, scheduled to run from February through December 2024, will offer a diverse array of performances encompassing children’s theatre, dance, storytelling, and an exploration of South Australian LGBTIQA+ history.
“Adelaide Festival Centre’s inSPACE has been at the forefront of artistic creation and excellence while supporting local independent and emerging artists. I look forward to seeing South Australian artists develop further in inSPACE 2024,” The Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Arts, says.
The inaugural production to kick off inSPACE 2024 is “Paper Trails” by Sarah Wilson, a theatrical reflection on the histories of our loved ones, accompanied by powerful dance performances by Flinders University graduate Kate Burgess. This emotionally charged production promises to captivate audiences from the start.
In February, Zoe Dunwoodie and Tim Overton, alumni of Patch Theatre, will present “Evelyn,” a children’s theatre show that follows the whimsical journey of a puppet through both the cosmos and the mind. This imaginative production is expected to enchant audiences of all ages.
Adelaide-based choreographers and performers Ade Suharto and Alison Currie will introduce their interactive dance piece titled “Maintain Rest Value,” inviting audiences to participate in actions exploring maintenance, rest, and value. This unique experience promises to engage and challenge viewers.
In May, award-winning performance artist Jingwei Bu will delve into the profound themes of life, death, and the continuous flow of existence in “Bloody Ink Play,” using a combination of durational performance, sound, video, and live music by South Australian musician Emily Tulloch.
A collaboration with Feast Festival will bring “Museum of Hope” by Eric Kuhlmann to the stage, paying tribute to South Australian lives lost to prejudice in the 50 years following the decriminalization of homosexuality in the state. This production promises to be a moving and thought-provoking experience.
“French Guise” is another highlight of the program, offering a glimpse into the life of Julie d’Aubigny, who famously escaped from a convent with her female lover. Created by Various People Inc., this production will feature extravagant music, sword fighting, and dance, making for a truly extravagant spectacle.
Kirsty Martinsen, a South Australian painter, performer, and filmmaker, will further develop “Bodiness: Hands Like Wings” in collaboration with renowned New York City director Erwin Maas. This unique blend of theatre, painting, and disability aims to challenge notions of freedom, beauty, and ability.
Rebecca Meston and Eliza Lovell, prominent Adelaide creatives, will humorously explore taboos surrounding the representation of women in pop culture through clowning and dance in “Leaking.”
Hew Parham, an award-winning Adelaide theatre icon, will return to inSPACE with “Visions of God Support Group,” a thought-provoking theatre piece that delves into life, faith, and existential questions, featuring local actors Chrissie Page, Henry Cooper, Rory Walker, and Rachel Burke.
In December 2024, co-founders of the award-winning theatre company Fish Bowl Productions, Steph Daughtry and Matthew Barker, will further develop “The Rat Race,” an exploration of experiencing the world differently and navigating life in modern-day Australia.
Adelaide Festival Centre inSPACE Programming Executive Callan Flemming expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Adelaide Festival Centre’s inSPACE 2024 program continues to invest in the future of performing arts in South Australia. inSPACE is a vital incubator for groundbreaking artistic voices. We are excited by what these incredible artists have in store for us this year; the lineup promises to challenge, inspire, and educate on the artistic process. Get on the list so you can catch artists sharing their fresh ideas.”
For over 20 years, inSPACE has been a key player in fostering independent arts in South Australia, collaborating with organizations like Vitalstatistix, Slingsby, and Brink. Notable alumni include Erin Fowler, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, and Finegan Kruckemeyer.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the evolution of South Australia’s performing arts scene, as inSPACE 2024 promises to deliver a dynamic and thought-provoking lineup of works-in-progress, pushing the boundaries of creativity and expression.
inSPACE
Where: Adelaide Festival Centre
When: Throughout the year
For more information about inSPACE programs at Adelaide Festival Centre or to sign up to receive updates and invitations to work-in-progress shows, head here.
