Artists

Sarah Walker

I'm a photographer. I shoot both promotional and production images for theatre.

My favourite Barking Spider show so far has been 'Invisible Connections.' Watching a town come together to gaze at its own insides, to pick apart its own histories and mysteries was such a precious and joyous experience. So too was seeing non-performers find grace, truth and humour in the world of object-based storytelling – it hammered home for me what a powerful medium puppetry can be in breaking down barriers for both performers and audiences.

I'm passionate about capturing in a lasting way the deft, fleeting moments of exquisite temporality that exist in the world of theatre.

Leah Scholes

My main practice is Music Performance, often mixed with a dash of theatre.

With the company, "Hatch" has been my favourite work so far. It's where Penelope and I first worked together and my love of puppetry was born. "Hatch" also pushed me right out of my comfort zone, demanding new creativity from me - in composition, technology and in creative development process. "Hatch" made me want to pursue the richness of collaborating across arts platforms.

I'm passionate about joy and delight, music that makes you move involuntarily, and the mystery and power of art.

Penelope Bartlau

When I was 4, I wanted to be an actor, an inventor and a vivisector (ok, odd, I know). Puppetry somehow manages to incorporate all 3. I'm a puppeteer – but I make up lots of stuff – so I am an artistic director as well.

I can't choose a favourite work. I loved "Invisible Connections" because we worked closely with a community and the outcome was beautiful and meaningful: I love the "Biscuit Readings" because of the connection we have with people (and how much fun we have), I loved "Dispatch", because it was so personal - about my flirtations with death during childhood illnesses. I loved "Hatch", because it was truly my first work, and I didn't believe, as a student i could make a world-class work, and the work toured to India! I love the works we are doing with Heide Museum, the freedom we have to invent with extraordinary Australian art and history. I love "Beardo" because its so weird. I love the work we do with children because they are so inspiring. But maybe "The Memorandium" is a close contender for favourite. It is the heart, and warmth, and wonder it generates between audiences and the performers.

I'm passionate about sharing, creating, inquiry, play and contemplating the apparently impossible.

Darius Kedros

I'm a sound designer, composer, and sound artist with a background in making records, and music to picture in the UK.

My two favourite Barking Spider works would have to be Bathing Beauties and Liberty of the Press.

Bathing Beauties was part of the 2014 Festival of Live Art. Performed at Melbourne City Baths, the work featured synchronised swimming routines, pre-recorded voices and music, and sound effects created live with various microphones including a pair of hydrophones (underwater microphones). All this sound was delivered to the audience via wireless headphones, along with pair of 18" subs. It was my first major show since moving to Australia from the UK, and to my relief it all came together really well. Liberty Of The Press, part historical celebration, part alternative fashion show for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2014, was grander than grand. We performed at the State Library Of Victoria in the LaTrobe Reading Room under the amazing domed ceiling - renowned for it's incredible natural acoustics, and in the period grandeur of The Queen’s Hall. For the performance we had Chinese drummers and Lion dances, Handel's aria “Lascia ch'io Pianga” - sung a cappella, and a 15-speaker PA system delivering a deconstructed version of the aforementioned Handel piece. Everything was lit and dressed beautifully. I think it's fair to say that it was pretty spectacular.

I love being involved in creative teams whose ambitions are big, and whose intentions are good. Barking Spider thinks beautiful, poignant, epic, bold, while maintaining political and social awareness, respect and a strong desire to be inclusive and accessible for all.

Jason Lehane

I direct, design and perform in theatre - and teach Bouffon.

My favourite work with Barking Spider is "The Biscuit Readings". I channel my father in playing Bert, and Penelope and I have laughed so much, and travelled so much, as we have doddered around as Betty and Bert. We hear so many incredible stories as those characters.

I'm passionate about finding moments of awe in art – whether I'm making it, or receiving it.