Bowery Theatre Residency Artist Q&A - Amelia Vu
We are excited to have Be Bold Residency Artist Amelia Vu performing in collaboration with Bia Lupiga, Lana Wang, Phillip Pham for Without Words showing at the Bowery Theatre on Friday 28 February and Saturday 1 March 2025.
We chatted with Amelia about her work, influences and collaborations.
1. Describe what you do and your artform(s):
I am a creative with a background in communication design and filmmaking, as well as a thriving passion in dance. Since beginning my dance journey in 2021, I have grown my connection to the Melbourne street dance community, teaching classes, creating dance films, and have explored various dance art forms including hip hop and popping. I currently work as a freelance videographer, however, I aspire to become a creative director whether it be for dance or film.
2. Which artists have influenced your practice and why?
DPR, an independent, multi-genre music and video group, had a uniqueness in their visual and music works that influenced the way I create. Growing up, I loved watching music videos which I think has inherently inspired me to create captivating and engaging visual work. I began merging my love for film and dance when I was more and more exposed to dance films, especially from my friends Project One Creative, a street dance collective, who are now my crewmates.
3. Tell us about your collaborators and why you chose to work with them.
Bia, Lana and Phil are dear friends of mine whom I've been inspired by through their dance as well as their own lifestyle. As they all are of different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities, I believe all of my collaborators have something different to bring to the table that would shape a unique story for the show. Respectively, my collaborators and myself practice (but not limited to) the art forms krump, waacking, breaking, house and hip hop - which I thought would be an awesome opportunity to explore how we can integrate each other's styles in one show.
4. What can people expect from the performance? And how do you want them to feel after the show?
You can expect to see and feel a personal story that could somehow resonate with you. Perhaps it will give you a new or different perspective on what communication looks like for different people.
5. If you could collaborate with any artist – past or present – who would you collaborate with and why?
Nujabes/chromonicci - their approach to music makes me want to create some sort of work with them. Or perhaps even have them play live at and live dance performance or event. Music plays a huge part in inspiring me to create, hence why I would love to collaborate with musicians.
6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Creating my own works - full time and sustainably.
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Without Words is a performance that transforms dance into a wordless language, vividly narrating the journey of a person grappling with the profound challenges of communication and self-expression. In a society where communication barriers can leave individuals feeling marginalised and helpless, this performance illuminates its personal struggles, offering a powerful story of self-discovery and acceptance.
The Bowery Theatre Residency program enables artists and arts organisations to make and present work with and for the Brimbank community. Discover new and innovative projects in theatre, dance and community cultural development.
The 2025-26 Bowery Theatre Residencies open Monday 6 January 2025 and close Monday 3 March 2025. For more information visit creativebrimbank.com.au/btr