Held at the Drill Hall in Mullumbimby, the PH(R)ASE//:1.5 (Part 1) research residency was a key initiative of PH(R)ASE – an emerging artist-led producing organisation dedicated to igniting creativity and fostering collaboration in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.
Running from 31 December 2024 to 8 January 2025, the residency built on the success of PH(R)ASE//:1 – ‘Pitch Lab’, co-facilitated by Katina Olsen (Wakka Wakka / Kombumerri) and Miranda Wheen, Co-Artistic Directors of Dance Makers Collective (DMC).
This residency further developed PH(R)ASE’s vision, providing a platform for professional artists working across contemporary performance to collaborate, experiment, and contribute to the growth of the local dance sector.
In development: ‘The Cradle and The Fury’ by Marianna Joslin | Performers: (L-R) Delia Silvan, Amani Wiriyanjara & Marianna Joslin.
I loved ‘Pitch Lab’ and was so keen to collaborate with Northern Rivers artists again during the PH(R)ASE //:1.5 research residency, to be in that rich environment of creativity and shared practice. I have never had an opportunity like it, to try out new ideas with a group of like minded artists. Marianna Joslin
The residency brought together 12 independent artists from diverse disciplines, including dance, theatre, experimental performance, cabaret, circus, puppetry and stand up. Core participants included: Marianna Joslin, Anna Straker and Shar Mitchell, alongside Delia Silvan, Alya and Ori Manzart and Philip Channells (Creative Producer). They were joined by guest artists Sean Campbell, Diana A. Zamudio Diaz, Harry Morrissey, Mayu Muto and Amani Wiriyanjara whose invaluable contributions helped shape the residency’s uncharted outcomes.
What is PH(R)ASE?
PH(R)ASE is an artist-led producing organisation supporting new works and creative development across the Northern Rivers region. It’s core values drive its mission:
– Propel: driving the dance sector forward.
– Harness: gathering resources and creative energy.
– (R)evitalise: renewing ideas and efforts to inspire action.
– Amplify: increasing visibility and impact.
– Strengthen: building meaningful connections and collaborative bonds.
– Energise: invigorating the participants and the sector as a whole.
In development: ‘My Brother’ by Alya Manzart in collaboration with Ori Manzart | Performers: Alya & Ori Manzart.
The residency provided a dynamic space for creative exploration, allowing artists to test new ideas, experiment with movement, and receive feedback from peers. These exchanges laid the groundwork for new works that will continue evolving, enriching the Northern Rivers dance sector.
Artistic Development and Collaboration
Artists participated in structured peer-to-peer sessions, pitching ideas, receiving feedback, and collaborating across disciplines. Emerging works included:
– ‘The Cradle and The Fury’ – Marianna Joslin’s physical theatre work exploring motherhood and identity.
– ‘Trojan Unicorn’ – Anna Straker’s all ages puppet show dissecting masculinity through art history.
– ‘My Brother’ – Alya & Ori Manzart’s multimedia physical theatre work incorporating elements of stand-up and arial dance.
– ‘Record / Side A’ – Philip Channells’ dance theatre experiment blurring the boundaries of voyeur and exhibitionist.
– ‘Natures Systems from Above’ – Shar Mitchell’s community dance work investigating the nervous systems fragility and resilience.
– ‘Sticks’ – Delia Silvan’s contemporary dance work contemplating grief at the brink of a rising tide.
In development: ‘Record / Side A’ by Philip Channells | Performers: (L-R) Amani Wiriyanjara, Shar Mitchell, Sean Campbell & Ori Manzart.
Sector Strengthening
PH(R)ASE//:1.5 (Part 1) directly contributed to the growth of the local dance sector by:
– Fostering new artistic relationships
– Providing mentorship opportunities
– Offering a professional space for creative research
This residency strengthened the regional arts community, particularly for emerging and mid-career artists seeking structured collaboration.
In development: ‘Trojan Unicorn’ by Anna Straker | Performers: (L-R) Ori Manzart, Alya Manzart, Anna Straker, Shar Mitchell, Delia Silvan & Sean Campbell.
As a mostly solo performer and creative, it reminded me of the importance of collaboration and communication. Being conscious of your audience and how integral research and development with other people is to a new work. My next step will be to write! Anna Straker
Audience Engagement and Public Impact
While the residency was primarily for research, it generated significant community engagement. Feedback from invited guests – including filmmaker Jolyon Hoff, visual artist Charlotte Haywood, and members of Arts Northern Rivers, Drill Hall Theatre Company and The Mill (Adelaide) – highlighted its impact in fostering support, discussion, and new creative relationships.
In development: ‘Natures Systems from Above’ by Shar Mitchell | Performers: (L-R) Delia Silvan, Marianna Joslin, Anna Straker, Amani Wiriyanjara, Alya Manzart & Philip Channells.
Reconnecting with the talented artists and delving deeper into both my creative ideas and theirs was a key motivator. I was also excited to meet new collaborators and embrace the diverse perspectives and ideas within a longer residency. Shar Mitchell
Financial Overview and Budget Allocation
Funding from Creative Australia, with additional support from Byron Shire Council, Drill Hall Theatre, and Dance Integrated Australia, was critical to the residency’s success. Funding was allocated as follows:
– Artist Fees & Honorariums – Direct payments for creative contributions
– Production & Venue Costs – Drill Hall rental, production materials, technical support
– Documentation & Photography – Capturing the residency’s creative process
– Administration & Coordination – Logistical support and program management
In development: ‘Sticks’ by Delia Silvan | Performers: (L-R) Anna Straker, Marianna Joslin, Philip Channells, Alya Manzart & Shar Mitchell.
It is a precious thing to be in the company of colleagues from various movement disciplines and to be part of and assist in their processes developing work, to witness and to participate. Then in turn to utilise their experience and input playing with, exploring and developing my own ideas. It is a special opportunity and breaks the wall of isolation many of us experience in our attempts to create work. Delia Silvan
Philip Channells | Dance Integrated Australia 