The start of something beautiful
Regional Arts WA
Back in 2014, Kellee Aberg, and Julian Canny met through Country Arts WA’s Young Reference Group for the Regional Arts Australia Summit CreateTank project in Kalgoorlie. Two years on the two have formed strong working relationships with Kellee as the Artistic Director for Poles Apart Theatre Company in Mandurah and a Country Arts WA Board Director and Julian as the founder of the social enterprise, The Comedy Emporium in Geraldton.
The two caught up at the following summit over at ARTLANDS Dubbo and talked about how their viewpoints have changed and the importance of programs and events which help foster relationships and collaboration for regional arts.
Another member of the Young Reference Group, Geraldton-based Rosie Sitorus, bonded with Kellee at the Kalgoorlie Summit on a trip to Kmart to buy bike shorts. It was then that the idea for their show, Fat Girls in Bike Shorts, was born. Produced by Julian and his team at The Comedy Emporium and after sold-out shows at last year’s Fringe Regional, the girls are back at this year’s Fringe with performances in Mandurah and Perth next month.
It is incredibly unique for two artists to collaborate inter-regionally on a performing arts show and with Rosie living in Geraldton and Kellee in Mandurah, it demonstrates extraordinary initiative that they have created a show while living 500km apart. While there are challenges, the two prove there are no boundaries to creating professional work in regional WA.
Read their article in The West Australian here.
Fat Girls in Bike Shorts is playing at the Fishtrap Theatre, Mandurah, from February 2-3 and the Supper Room at the Perth Town Hall from February 6-12. Find out more details here.
The Comedy Emporium is producing a massive 27 shows at this year’s Fringeworld, across the regional hubs and in Perth. Find out more at their website.
