How We Rise

How We Rise comprised three events over three days, beginning with the premiere of How We Rise followed by a movement workshop led by Bastin the following day, and a panel discussion on the final day faciltated by Naarm-based artist and writer Katie Paine with special guests Bastin, composer Grace Ferguson and local artist and acitvist Hannah Lewis.

‍Through an artist residency, community connection and research of the coastal ecologies of Merricks Beach, How We Rise is a response to place.

Premiering in a single performance on Friday 21 April with an original score composed and performed by Grace Ferguson, dancers echoed the energy of waves as they bend and flow, crash and break, forming and reforming patterns and cadences. This work considers ideas of relationality, multiple histories, place-specificity and the body as a site of resistance and renewal.

In development for this project Bastin and collaborators stayed in residence at Merricks Beach in an intensive week of learning, listening, reflection, dialogue and rehearsals. An essential part of this process involved Bastin and the ensemble deepening their sense of place by spending time at Merricks Beach, having conversations with passers by and meeting with local knowledge holders Lionel Lauch (Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung) from Living Culture, ecologist and artist Gidja Walker OAM, artist and Sybil Disobedient Hannah Lewis, and the Peninsula Surf Sisters.

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MEDIA RELEASE
INTERVIEW RPP FM

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