Elka Kerkhofs and Karen Maxwell formed Karelka Productions in Darwin in 2000 with a view to producing short films and selected multimedia performances. Since that time it’s practice has expanded to include such diverse areas as original sound and music, video art for theatre, production and stage management and live performance documentation and photography. Karen and Elka are experienced practitioners who are always seeking to produce innovative, original and experimental work across a wide and varied scope incorporating the local flavour of Darwin mixed with European influences. Karelka’ s first performance in 2001 “The Tube” was one such original piece staged in the 170m long WWII tunnels as part of the Festival of Darwin and the Fringe Festival. This show blended installation, dance, video art and a challenging space to create a truly memorable event that was extremely well received by its audience. Karelka has chosen to continue working with Production Designer Elle Parsonson who is based in Melbourne and completed her Batchelor of Fine Arts at CDU in Darwin. Elle’s contribution to the unique signature look of Karelka performances is significant. She has designed 3 performance pieces so far and will be involved in future Karelka Productions’ projects. Karen and Elka work individually with other important companies to keep refining and expanding their craft. Karen has worked and toured with Bangarra Dance Theatre as Assistant Stage Manager on several occasions to absorb the professionalism of this world-renowned company and bring her expanded knowledge base back to Darwin. Elka continues to collaborate on many projects in varied capacities with companies such as Tracks Dance Theatre, Darwin Theatre Company and Business Unusual. Elka’s unique perspective and varied talents contribute to her being considered amongst the finest multimedia/performance practitioners in Australia as evidenced by her acceptance into Time_Place_Space 4 in Adelaide in July 2005.
Contact: karelka[at]octa4.net.au
No comments:
Post a Comment