Wild Rice
June 21 to 25 2004
Scotch Oakburn College Performing Arts Centre, Launceston
Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre, Devonport
St Michael's Collegiate Performing Arts Centre, Hobart
Choreography: Trisha Dunn and Catherine Freeman
Production/Stage Manager: Darren Willmott
Costume & Graphic Design: Greg Leong
Costumes: Kate Watson
Calligraphy: Mobo Gao
Dancers: Brittany Pegus, Evan Dowling, Kirsty Ford, Kate Fuller, Dayna Fyfe, Hayley Higgs, Kat Hill, Madeline Huett, Melanie Kerr, Kira Labedzki, Danielle Niaura, Brittany Pegus, Jessica Stedman, Natasha Wardale and Phoebe Wootton.
"They haven't had the years yet to develop scintillating technique but they make up for it with creative energy and a youthful passion that always maintains interest."
Wal Eastman, The Mercury, Saturday April 26, 2004
To acknowledge the International Year of Rice, Trisha Dunn and Catherine Freeman took on the challenging task of creating a 45-minute work with 15 young people. Titled Wild Rice the show explored the history of rice and emphasised the fundamental role it has played in the development of culture and lifestyle.
Trisha and Catherine began the process by conducting 28 workshops throughout the state at various High Schools and Colleges. Indonesian dancer and choreographer, Chendra Panatan contributed to the workshop process and development of some of the movement language while he was with TasDance on an Asia Link residency.
600 young people participated in the workshops and a further 60 auditioned for a chance to be a part of the Wild Rice ensemble. All participants had varying dance experience, but all demonstrated enthusiasm and a live, creative spirit!
Wild Rice was created in two four-day intensive rehearsal periods at the TasDance studio where Trisha and Cat's Asian inspired choreography came to life. A rigorous touring schedule followed performing eight shows in Launceston, Devonport and Hobart.
Response to the performances has been very positive from both participants and audience members alike. One participant wrote saying, "Thankyou so much. It was an awesome experience. I wish it could keep going and we could keep meeting new people!!"
This once in a lifetime opportunity afforded to these young people is a pleasure to be a part of, watching the dancers transform as people and performers demonstrates how invaluable the arts are.