VIGIL
I am eager to collaborate with Outer Urban Projects again in 2026 for the performance of their major new work, VIGIL.
A polyvocal performance work made by visionary communities and creatives with something to ask of Australia: What lives matter? Do our lives matter?
A HUSBAND KILLS HIS WIFE
ANOTHER VIGIL FOR A DEAD WOMAN
ANOTHER DEATH IN CUSTODY
PROTEST
A BOMB FALLS
IS THERE NO PLACE THAT IS SAFE?
NO TEMPLE THAT IS SACRED?
WHAT LIVES MATTER?
A crowded tram progresses along its journey. There is a passenger fleeing war and bombs. Another flees her partner. One believes she has found refuge from an oppressive regime. Another wants to walk a park at night and feel the grass under her feet. One observes the settlers on this tram, in all their diversity and indifference to Blak lives. Commuters crack jokes about wives, and mothers, and laugh.
You are invited to take this journey to the end of the line.
Bringing together a compelling creative team of writers, performers, dance artists, and community members, VIGIL examines the intersections of public and private safety, race, gender, and terror in the streets of our city.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director/Concept Irine Vela
Writers Angela Costi, Bryan Andy, Kush Kuiy, Sahra Davoudi, Samah Sabawi, Tariro Mavondo and Patricia Cornelius
Choreographer Tara Jade Samaya
Performers Ali Ammouchi, Angela Costi, Fakaoho Tupou, Georgia Rudd, Joshinder Chaggar, Kamarra Bell-Wykes, Michelle Heaven, Navera Ari, Nyawuda Chuol, Sahra Davoudi, Sapna Khadka, Sermsah Bin Saad, Taj Aldeeb, Tara Jade Samaya, Tariro Mavondo, Rebecca Robinson, with El Amal Women’s Group (Banksia Gardens Community Services).
Set Designer Nathan Burmeister
Costume Designer Harriet Oxley
Lighting Designer Richard Vabre
Sound Engineer Siiri Metsar
Dramaturgs Irine Vela and Mari Lourey
Script Consultant Andrea James
Producers Kate Gillick and Lara Week
Image credit Meredith O’Shea
Content Warning: This work explores themes of trauma related to abusive relationships, events, and femicide as well as the ripple effects of gender-based violence. If you or someone you know requires support, please refer to Outer Urban Projects’ community support page >here<.
Developed with partnership support from the Australian Government through Creative Australia and its arts funding and advisory body including Creative Futures Fund (Development), the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Reve Fund, Webster Fund, sub-funds of Australian Communities Foundation, Besen Family Foundation, Inner North Community Foundation, Brian Davis Charitable Foundation, Banksia Gardens Community Services, Arts House, supporters Amy Hubbard and Crispin Butteriss and Merri-bek City Council.
