IN/Visible Women

Friday, 27 September 2013
5pm Magdalena Australia Long Table 
7pm Cabaret 

at The Stores Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse

View a slideshow of images from the event on Flickr.

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The Brisbane Festival program this year has sparked a discussion amongst local performance-makers about the visibility of women’s contributions to performance both locally and nationally.

“We noticed an apparent lack of strong images of women in the printed program and were compelled to ask “Why?” and, “Where are the women?”” said Celia White.

In the last twelve months in Australia both the 2012 Australia Council report on Women and Theatre and the Triple J Hottest 100 of the Past 20 Years list have triggered discussion on a nationwide phenomenon regarding the invisibility of women’s contribution to performing arts. It seems apparent that everyone knows there is a problem, but without an effort of will nothing can change. 

“We, Magdalena Australia, would like to further stimulate this conversation by asking the questions: How do we notice invisibility? Could we choose differently? How can we begin to do this effectively?” says Dawn Albinger.

The Australia Council report concluded with a call for Vigilance, Accountability and the sharing of Information. Attention has been drawn to a lack of visual representation of women performers / makers within the Brisbane Festival Program. “By crunching data to conclude a disparity between visual and real representation, and by organising the Magdalena Australia Long Table, we are responding to the Australia Council’s recommendations.“ said Celia White.

Magdalena Australia is a dynamic coalition of women working in Australian contemporary performing arts. An autonomous chapter of the international Magdalena Project, we are committed to raising awareness of the unique contributions women are making to the Australian cultural landscape. 

The Long Table is a performative presentation of public conversation developed by Split Britches (US/UK). It is a creative format that encourages informal conversation on diverse subjects such as performance art, social engagement, and human rights.  Ours will invite public engagement on the visibility of women in contemporary performance in Australia.

Following the Magdalena Australia Long Table, at 7pm, we will be hosting a cabaret consisting of local women performers. 

“The cabaret is intended as a celebration of local talent and an opportunity for networking. In the tradition of the international Magdalena Project, the Magdalena Australia Long Table and the Cabaret are intended as an opportunity for women artists to meet through their work.” said Dawn Albinger.

Artists presenting at the cabaret are: Alicia Jones, Cath Mundy, Jellyjarh, Karen Anderson, Louise Clark, Love Like Hate, Lucinda Shaw, Pitisi Hatcher, Rebecca Riggs, Red Lantern, Simone O’Brien and Therese Collie.

In Partnership with Access Arts and Vulcana Women’s Circus.
[ENDS] 28 August 2013

Media Contact: Dawn Albinger 0405 013 122 or Celia White 0403 801 068