Fill the Void is the first in a series of highly successful community dance projects created by Samara, and supported by a team of highly talented independent regional artists. The project was part of South Gippsland Shire Council's 'Big Art Small Halls' initiative, where Samara was paired with a small regional hall with the objective of filling it with creative ideas, stories, film projections, music, and bodies choreographed in space. Using dance, original composition, and the imagination of the fourteen community participants, the work encouraged a strong sense of working together to develop and present a unique performance, drawing upon participants interests and experiences. Over several weeks Samara guided the group in a creative process which encouraged a strong foundational movement practice and performance confidence, and injected new life into the Meeniyan Town Hall. 

 

The Fill the Void creative collaborators included Michael Shirrefs who composed the original music for the production, Kate Russell who created the visual backdrop for the work via her film projections, and designer Mayumi McPhee who designed and created costumes for the cast, who ranged in age from 6 to 60. Despite the workshop process being regularly hindered by pandemic lockdowns, cancellations and postponements, the work did eventually achieve a public performance in the Meeniyan Hall to the great satisfaction of everyone involved.

 

The facilitation of Fill the Void was a big highlight. Samara is adept at relating to all, regardless of age and ability, as equal participants and is completely genuine in her responses, I.E no false praise. This establishes trust quickly and is a big part of the success of the project. 

Project participant, Fill the Void (2021)