Animate Loading is a disability-led work that is in direct dialogue with the space it inhabits. A dynamic group of performers drawing on their diverse movement languages and embodied experiences to activate a space, bringing its seen and unseen dimensions into focus.

First created on a rooftop carkpark in Parramatta in early 2022, and evolving among post-industrial stone ruins and graffitied water tanks at Casula Powerhouse; this version of Animate Loading took shape within and around the construction of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ North Building, and was performed as part of its official opening celebrations.

This choreographic film seeks to immerse the viewer in the tones, textures and rhythms of that performance.

Lo-fi, hand-held and embodied videography are used to highlight a series of significant micro-moments in the work. Edited together with location material, they offer a sensorial, intimate experience to the viewer; proximate to what is stirred when witnessing the performance in situ.

Creative Audio-Description has also been used to facilitate this; another form of witnessing derived from disability culture.

An embodied call to action, inviting us to reconfigure our interactions with so-called public spaces, and each other within them.

Credits

Concept, direction and choreography
Riana Head-Toussaint

Performer/collaborators
Tom Kentta, Bedelia Lowrenčev, Jeremy Lowrenčev, Savannah Stimson, Leo Tsao, Natalie Tso

Access Facilitator/Outside Eye
Imogen Yang

Technical Support
Stephen Dobson

Cinematography
Riana Head-Toussaint and Imogen Yang

Editing and Sound Design
Riana Head-Toussaint

Audio Description
Riana Head-Toussaint and Imogen Yang

Creative Associate – Writing and Documentation
Cynthia Florek

Costume and Production Assistant
Benaiah Brophey

This iteration of Animate Loading was originally commissioned and presented as a live performance at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, as part of the opening celebrations for the new North Building.

Huge thanks to the curatorial and production teams for believing in and supporting this work: Paschal Daantos Berry, Lisa Catt, Danielle Gullotta, Katy Green Loughrey, Alex Hardy, Katrina Douglas, Daniel Kilp, Lila Neiswanger, Bonnie Huang and Thomas Sargeant.

Deep, heartfelt thanks also to Wesley Shaw and Juanita Kelly-Mundine for sharing their knowledges and stories, which formed an anchor for the work in all senses.

Facilitated through Critical Path’s digital and choreographic exchange program curated by Matt Cornell.