Asialink

Thailand

Xan Colman and Tamara Searle (2007), Thailand

Xan Colman, artistic director of independent inter-arts company A is for Atlas, is a playwright and director with works performed nationally and in Germany. Tamara Searle is a freelance performer, creator and educator, who has performed with The Australian Ballet, Eleventh Hour Theatre, La Mama and in numerous Australian film and TV projects. With a focus on theatre for community cultural development, their residency took them to refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border, where they worked within Makhampom Theatre Group’s refugee project team on educational theatre projects investigating violence against women, HIV/AIDS, and social justice issues.

Funded by the Australia Council

Jennifer Nield (2002), Thailand

Jennifer Nield is co-founder of Outskirt Productions, a company dedicated to utilising the performing arts as an instrument for social change focussing on rural and regional youth. Nield first encountered Makhampom Theatre Company in 1999 when she undertook a study tour with the company and was impressed by the rituals and energy that the company brought to community workshops and celebrations. During her residency she assisted Makhampom to run workshops in camps set up for Karen refugees and to work with a youth theatre group that emerged to counter problems generated by drug trafficking through the local region. She also participated in a study tour for international theatre workers.

Funded by the  Australia Council. 

Akos Amont

Akos Armont (2011), Thailand

Akos Armont is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, and is working towards a dual MA in Communications and International Relations. He is currently volunteering to establish the first regional branch of the international non-profit organisation Clowns Without Borders. As part of his Asialink Residency Akos will assist in establishing and coordinating the first ongoing social-circus based education program in Thailand with the non-profit organisation Circus Action International. (SUPPORTED BY THE AUSTRALIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS AND THE AUSTRALIA-THAILAND INSTITUTE)
Katherine Olston

Katherine Olston (2003), Thailand

Katherine Olston, a graduate from the Sydney College of the Arts, is a multi disciplinary artist who works in sculpture, performance and installation. She has continued to pursue her interest in visual performance through ongoing work with Sydney based company Erth as a performer, costume and set designer. In 2000 she worked as part of the design construction team for the Sydney Olympics. In Thailand she will work with the Chang Mai University Art Museum where she will develop a performance installation entitled Beauty Suit working with a group of five Thai artists. The project examines and contrasts the concepts and structures of beauty in Thai and Australian societies.

Funded by the Australia Council