An inspiring program of original dance works choreographed by young people incarcerated in youth justice centres including Frank Baxter at Kariong will be presented at the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, Ettalong Beach, on December 13.
Beyond the Walls visited two NSW youth justice centres – Frank Baxter and Reiby Youth Justice Centre, six days a week for six weeks.
They worked with young people aged 11-19, encouraging them to share experiences and stories in the form of dance and directing the dancers.
Together, they found a collective voice for their individual experience.
Phunktional has since collaborated with artists on projects across the country, and more than 350,000 people have been a part of or seen their work.
In the lead up to a performance at Sydney Dance Company, Gerard Veltre and members of Phunktional will host a series of performances and events across NSW to raise awareness of youth incarceration and the mental and physical health of young people.
The program will include a screening of the dance films created at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre and a live performance of a dance piece created by the young women at Reiby Youth Justice Centre.
There will also be a Q&A panel featuring the artists from Beyond the Walls.
Phunktional Founder and Artistic Director Gerard Veltre said the company is thrilled to be able to share the immensely powerful, uplifting, and inspiring work with new audiences across NSW.
“This is a unique opportunity to see work created by incarcerated youth, to support their journey of healing and to celebrate their achievements by sharing their stories beyond the walls,” he said.
The alcohol-free event is free but registration is essential on the Naughty Noodle website.
Beyond the Walls will be presented at the Naught Noodle Fun Haus, Ettalong Beach, at 7pm on Tuesday, December 13.
Source:
Media release, Dec 7
Naughty Noodle Fun Haus