Weredingo

Karul Projects

Started by Thomas E.S. Kelly and Taree Sansbury in 2017, Karul Projects is a performing arts company with a focus to increase First Nations’ voices, visibilities and stories locally, nationally and internationally.

Karul is a Yugambeh Language word which means ‘Everything’. Named so because Karul will do everything it can to strengthen and empower the cultural knowledge of this land so future generations continue to be proud and learn from Australia’s rich First Nations’ heritage.

Additionally, ‘Karul’ represents our works. Alongside our grounding medium of dance we also use Karul/Everything that we feel best suits the story and information we are sharing incorporating theatre, film, projection, animation, singing and more.

Karul Projects are proudly supported through Arts Queensland and the City of Gold Coast through their Multi Year Organisational Funding.

    ABOUT THE PROJECT

    Weredingo establishes a world where shapeshifters are part of contemporary society.

    Meet shifters Frankie, Colton, Virgil and Denise at a Shapeshifters Support Group meeting, an underground gathering that meets in secret because shapeshifters are outsiders.

    Weredingo explores shapeshifting across two dimensions: (1) Shapeshifting in Indigenous cultural knowledges, creationist dreaming and the exciting act of shifting as shown throughout pop culture and (2) Shapeshifting as a metaphor, exploring the dualities and multiple identities contemporary First Nations people are forced to live as a result of ongoing colonisation.

    Weredingo explores humanity through the idea of shape-shifting, the unresolved relationship between colonialism and First Nations peoples, through the metaphors of blackcladding, blackfishing, tokenism, racial profiling and allyship, we observe the discord between the state and society today.

    This powerful dance-theatre work combines storytelling with Karul Project’s distinctive contemporary dance style and a dash of humour. Led by a First Nations team, this story is brought to life alongside beautiful animations by Jake Duczynski of Studio Gilay and projection by Wirrim Studios.

    If you’re ready to join the support group, come in, grab a biccy and a cuppa. All shapes and kinds are accepted here, this is a safe space. Wear your animal loud and proud. Whether fur, fleece or feathers, beaks, claws or tails – all animals are welcome!

    Session Times
    PROFILE: Here’s What We Made
    Thursday 8 June

    CONTACT

    Thomas E.S. Kelly
    thomas@karulprojects.com