Program
Discover the dimensions of FRAME: A biennial of dance.
Purchase a FRAME Pass for access to discounted tickets Learn More
Activators 10: TADRA, and other visions
Presented by Chunky Move
Activators is Chunky Move’s commissioning program for small scale experimental new work with an open-ended approach to the format and platform for presentation. For Activators 10, Chunky Move is excited to work with Aotearoa (New Zealand)-based Jahra Wasasala, Fijian world-builder, movement psychopomp and writer. Jahra will be working in collaboration and presenting with Naarm-based artist Henry Lai-Pyne and Aotearoa-based artist Oliva Luki (Spewer).
Jahra, along with their collaborators will undertake a residency at Chunky Move studios, culminating in a one-off public showing as part of FRAME: A biennial of dance.
Credits
Performer: Jahra Wasasala
Collaborators: Henry Lai-Pyne and Oliva Luki (Spewer)
Image credit: “Tadra” (2023), Jahra Wasasala. Photo by Jocelyn Janon.
View Artist Biographies
Jahra (Arieta) Wasasala is a Fijian/Pakeha world-builder, movement psychopomp and writer of realms. Within Viti, they hail from the provinces of Macuata and Ba. Jahra is based in the relational space between a world ending and another world beginning. They centre dance as the chosen tool of transmutation, living-memory, and embodiment, whilst expanding that living work into sound, adornment, poetry, sculpture, and digital realms through their collaborations that have travelled internationally. Jahra gives gratitude to Tāmaki Makaurau (raised) and Te Awa Kairangi-ki-Uta (current) and their multiple iwi, and to the influence that relationship to place undoubtedly has on every artist’s work. Jahra affectionately sees their work as “Oceanic Terror-fi”, and constantly moves towards being spirit-led and blood-led in their evolving creative offering.
Partners
Commissioned as part of Chunky Move’s Activators program. Chunky Move is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts and by Creative Victoria.