VIGIL

‘VIGIL isn’t just a theatrical show; it is an entrancing, enveloping experience that sweeps up the audience in a series of images, revelations and insights.  The emphasis may skew to violence toward women and ask, ‘Who is safe?’ and note the friction between races, colours and the exclusion of the Other – but without descending into despair, negativity and darkness.’ Michael Brindley, Stage Whispers

‘VIGIL is an expansive and courageous project that bridges film, performance and community practice. It invites audiences to think about safety, risk, empathy and complicity in ways that resonate far beyond the theatre.’ Naomi Velaphi, Head of Programming, Arts House

A polyvocal performance work made by visionary communities and creatives examining the intersections of public and private safety, race, gender, and terror in the streets of our city. VIGIL has something to ask Australia: What lives matter? Do our 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/Music/Concept Irine Vela

Playwrights Bryan Andy, Kush Kuiy, Sahra Davoudi, Samah Sabawi and Patricia Cornelius

Choreographer Tara Jade Samaya

Performers Ali Ammouchi, Angela Costi, Carly Sheppard, Georgia Rudd, Joshinder Chaggar, Kamarra Bell-Wykes, Michaela Tancheff, Michelle Heaven, Navera Ari, Nic Synot, Nyawuda Chuol, Paddy Montgomery, Sahra Davoudi, Sermsah Bin Saad, Taj Aldeeb, Rebecca Robinson with El Amal Women’s Group – Banksia Gardens Community Services

Set Designer Nathan Burmeister

Costume Designer Harriet Oxley

Lighting Designer Richard Vabre

Content Warning: This performance explores themes of trauma and violence in abusive relationships, including femicide, genocide, deaths in custody, and the ripple effects of family and gender-based violence, religious and cultural persecution, and war. It contains adult themes, coarse language, and triggering content. The work may include haze, low lighting, flashing lights and sudden loud sounds. If you or someone you know requires support, please refer to our community support page >here<.

Developed and presented 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 – City of Melbourne, supporters Amy Hubbard and Crispin Butteriss, Hume City Council and Merri-bek City Council.