Stella Electrika Interview
Written by Myjanne Jensen
Arts In Preview
Brisbane's arts scene is set to be bowled over by a new kid on the block, namely theatre and performing arts company Stella Electrika. The brainchild of acclaimed NIDA trained performer/ director Kat Henry is a project that has been brewing in the depths of Henry's soul for over ten years and is now ready to finally open its doors to the people of Brisbane.
Stella Electrika, a name originally used for a short film produced by Henry, will be a platform for all artistic mediums ranging from theatrical works to films, music videos and events. Henry, who has worked between Sydney and Melbourne the past 12 years, says she chose Brisbane to open the theatre due to her belief in the Brisbane arts community and all the new talent that is emerging. “I wanted to launch the company here to say the arts are so alive here and I really want to be a part of that,” says Henry. “It's a changing misconception for people down south that Brisbane is parochial. People in Sydney are genuinely interested in what is coming out of Brisbane because we have been allowed to be more experimental.
“Now with the growing population and the cultural atmosphere, we have so much to be seen.”
The talented performer/ director originally trained as a singer/ actor but “fell” into physical theatre as she had always had a strong visual sense, making the transition to directing relatively easy.
“I love being able to create something totally new from various pieces of inspiration and I especially love to work with artists across different mediums,” she enthuses. “I am very inspired by the amazing musicians, visual artists and performers I have around me.”
The company's first production, 'The New Dead: Medea Material’, is a contemporary re-working made during Henry's time at NIDA about the classic Medea myth, using text by East German playwright Heiner Muller. The show first played with the La Boite theatre last year and will later go on to appear at the Adelaide Fringe Fest in March.
The company will open its doors to the public with its launch party this Friday night including performances from 'The New Dead: Medea Material’, alongside local singer-songwriter Emma Dean and acrobat Lia Reutens.
To get a glimpse of Brisbane's newest arts company head to The White Canvas Gallery, Fortitude Valley on Friday February 5.
