MADRE MUERTE

"Death is universal, inevitable, and something that will always exist as long as there is life”

Death is not the antithesis of life but an integral thread of the same tapestry. When we embrace death as an extension of life, we may find peace in the inevitability of our return to the earth, like the gentle and nurturing touch of a Mother. It is a moment of grief, of mourning the loss of what once was, but also a celebration—a recognition of the life that was lived and the indelible mark it leaves behind.

Death—an omnipresent and inevitable reality, remains a fear for many and a difficult topic of discussion. Yet, it is also the common thread that binds all living beings. We should not shy away from the starkness of this reality; instead, bring death to the forefront, not as an object of fear but as a phenomenon to be acknowledged, understood, and even embraced.

"Madre Muerte" is thus not merely a performance, but a journey—a passage through the delicate thresholds of existence. A ritual, a sacred space where life and death are intertwined, where you are invited to reflect on your own relationship with mortality. It is an invitation to grapple with death, not with dread, but with a sense of awe and acceptance, recognising that death is not an end, but a beautiful transformation, a return to the source from which we all emerge.

MEET THE TEAM

  • TYRONE EARL LRAÉ ROBINSON

    CHOREOGRAPHER & PERFORMER

  • SHULING WONG

    PRODUCER & SET DESIGNER

RACHAEL DEASE
COMPOSER

Rachael Dease’s artistic practice encompasses art music, dance and theatre scoring, installation and songwriting. While her own music projects have garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards, Dease is a quintessential and in-demand collaborator - creating large and small scale works across many genres. Classically trained, with an intrinsic understanding of sound design, Dease creates music and sound that has made her one of the most sought after composers in Australia.

Dease was Prelude Composer in Residence at Gallop House, Western Australia, where she wrote her first solo album HYMNS FOR THE END OF TIMES which was performed with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for the 2021 Perth Festival.

In 2022 Rachael collaborated with Maxine Doyle and Es Devlin on HERE NOT HERE for Gothenburg Opera Dance Company and continued this collaboration into 2023 with Salamander for Brisbane Festival.

RHIANNON PETERSEN
LIGHTING DESIGNER

Rhiannon Petersen is a performance maker, visual designer, and technician based in Boorloo (Perth), who makes fun, weird, genre bending art. They completed a BA in Performance Studies in 2015 (Curtin University).

Rhi’s previous works include The Jellyman (TBRT, 2020), Survive the Apocalypse!! (Online, 2020), and The Big Dark (TBRT, 2018).

Previous lighting designs include Homeward Bound (Lazy Yarns, 2022, TBRT), Little Women (Mel and Sal, 2021, TBRT), Bite the Hand (The Last Great Hunt, 2021, Subiaco Arts Centre); and previous scenography includes Las Hormigas (Pilar Mata Dupont, 2022, PICA).

Rhi’s work has been described as 'exciting, pertinent and ambitious theatre’ (Seesaw Mag, 2020).

PETER YOUNG
PRODUCTION MANAGER

Based in Perth, Western Australia, Peter Young is an experienced lighting designer, technician, and creative professional with special interest in theatre and live performance. Since graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2019, he has grown a comprehensive repertoire of skills and experience through working across numerous projects and venues, establishing his presence in Perth’s diverse artistic industry.

Peter has worked as a lighting designer for established companies, including Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, The Last Great Hunt, TURA New Music, and Perth Festival. He has also collaborated as both lighting designer and lighting associate with numerous renowned independent artists and groups.

As a lighting technician and programmer, Peter has worked across prominent Perth venues including His Majesty's Theatre, the State Theatre Centre, and Crown Theatre.

SORCHA WHALLEY
COSTUME DESIGNER

Sorcha is a Western Australian based costume designer and maker, specialising in theatre costuming, with experience in photo-shoots, personal wear and much more.

Since graduating from The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, undertaking a Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Bachelor of Performing Arts majoring in Production and Design: Costume Construction and Management. Sorcha has gained a multitude of knowledge and experience within the costume industry.

Sorcha's knowledge for making costumes for theatre extends past simply creating what's drawn on the page, she works with the designer to achieve their desired look, that may not always be well translated in their design.

Sorcha has extensive knowledge in Tailoring, Period Garments, Pattern Drafting, Art Finishing, Millinery, Costume Management, Bump in/Bump out processes, Stretch-wear, Corsetry and Tutu Construction.

SPECIAL MENTIONS & THANK YOUS

A special thank you to Ruby Hart, Mia Beame, & Rebecca Thomas our wonderful intern performers, for putting in their time and skill to help our show be fully realised.

Thank you to Ian and Erick Regnard (Venue Managers), Emma Fishwick (Set and Marketing Designer), Leanne Foley (Assistant Costume Designer), and the entire production team of volunteers, friends and family.

And thank you to the many people who have helped OFF-base Dance to get to where we are now. Your support and encouragement in greatly appreciated.


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