CONGRATULATIONS TO NICA STUDENTS AND GRADUATES WHO RECEIVED AWARDS IN THE 2014 MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL

This year NICA graduates and current students were recognised with three awards in the categories of Best Emerging Indigenous Artist, Original New Circus and the People’s Choice Award.

Current NICA student Jillibalu Riley was awarded Best Emerging Indigenous Artist, supported by Melbourne Fringe and 3KND Radio, for his performance in 7.

Performed at the NICA National Circus Centre in Prahran, 7 was a triple bill of short, contemporary circus works which included: On the 7th Day - Directed by Martine Howard and Tarn Scully, Apartment 7 - Directed by Meredith Kitchen and Aaron Walker, and #ashtag7 - Directed by Dan Power.

Jillibalu performed in #ashtag7 and showcased his skills on the Aerial Straps and in Tumbling. This piece focussed on how an overwhelming connection with technology can sometimes mean a disconnection with each other.

This year the award for Original New Circus, supported by Circus OZ, was My Life in Boxes by Gravity Dolls. Gravity Dolls are -2013 NICA graduate Tim Rutty and former NICA staff member Tarah Carey. My Life in Boxes unpacked the story of a pathological hoarder and was directed by Maude Davey. Performed at the Substation in Newport this was a standing event with the action taking place around and above the audience. Congratulations to Tarah and Tim for their work which was a terrific fusion of theatre and circus.

The People’s Choice Award this year was Left by NICA graduate Tom Davis and company Long Answers to Simple Questions which included current NICA students and graduates. Performed in The Melba Spiegeltent, Left discussed the importance of community, relationships, loss and recovery.

Congratulations to the winners for their bold, inspiring and entertaining performances. Well done also to all the artists in this year’s festival including the many talented NICA students and graduates.
 
Photo: NICA student, Jillibalu Riley performing in 7 by Aaron Walker.

13 Oct 2014