Current investigation
The intersection between Celtic Mythology and Body Weather. How embodying 'thin spaces' can be an act of authentic meaning making.
The Old Woman turned, and looked at the Selkie.
'So you've come to find your skin,' and it was all the sealwoman could do to hold herself erect, to lift her chin and stop her teeth from chattering, and to nod a faint yes.
If Women Rose Rooted, Blackie, 79
Image credit: Ellen Rijs
2017
A work-in-progress showing.
PART 1: INSTINCT
A meditation on connection, plants and Modernity.
PART 2: INERTIA
An embodied investigation of scale.
Concept: Ellen Rijs
Performers: Ione Rijs + Ellen Rijs
Stage Manager: Meike Clark
Outside Eye: Jeremy Neideck
Presenter: La Mama Explorations
'I thrust may hand into the dark earth // and make a loose fist around a clump of soil...'
On Plants and Modernity, Fleet
Image credit: Meg Spencer
2013
An amplification of micro-realities within the body.
This work was an extension of the short work Standing Desperately Upright created as part of Ellen's honours studies.
Choreographer: Ellen Rijs
Mentor: Tess de Quincey
Presenter: De Quincey Co + CASULA POWERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE
Part of 6 WOMEN DANCE as part of ONSIDE art exhibition and WOMEN IN SPORT Forum
"I may not know death, but it knows me. I often say that I have a sister living inside my body. […] she plucks the darkness from my body and eats more than is needed. When she stands up inside my body, I unthinkingly sit down”
Hijikata, Wind, 77
Image credit: Tess de Quincey
2012
In 1922 Josepha Blazek fell drastically ill and slipped into a coma. Her conjoined twin sister Rosa was at this time the picture of perfect health. Rosa refused to indulge any notions of separation, knowing full well that to remain conjoined would result in her own death. Josepha and Rosa died within 12 minutes of one another.
Creators: Ellen Rijs + Polly Sara
Assisted by: David Cuthbertson | Jeremy Neideck | Ione Rijs | Trevor Matthews | Olivia Rijs | Joanna Rijs
Presenter: La Mama Explorations + Red Moon Rising
This work contributed to the development of TWIN, presented by Red Moon Rising.
Image credit: Polly Sara
2009
Inspired by Ted Hughes’ ‘Gaudete’, this work conjured a beautiful and electrifying world where life struggles with its own shadow.
Creator + Dancer: Ellen Rijs
Original composition: Jeremy Neideck
Assisted by: Hannah Fox | Ayesha Tansey | Polly Sara | Ben Morris | Christine Scott Young | Angela Cole
Presenter: La Mama Explorations
This was a solo work that contributed to the development of a full scale production of the same name by Red Moon Rising in 2010.
"The blood in his veins is like heated petrol; As if it were stirring closer and closer to explosion; As if his whole body were a hot engine, growing hotter; Connected to the world, which is out of control; And to the grass under his feet; The trees whose shadows reach for him."
Gaudete, Hughes, p4
Image credit: Autumn Tansey
2008 - 2014
Performance company Red Moon Rising made bold, image-based dance works.
SKETCHES OF BLOOD
Creators: Jeremy Neideck, Polly Sara + Ellen Rijs
2008 Melbourne Fringe Festival
2010 Adelaide Fringe Festival
Nominated for Best Dance
THE OAK'S BRIDE
Creators: Jeremy Neideck, Polly Sara + Ellen Rijs
2010 Next Wave Festival
Supported by The Australia Council for the Arts
Nominated for Green Room Award
TWIN
Creators: Polly Sara + Katrina Cornwell
2013 Season at Revolt
Supported by The City of Melbourne
RMR collaborators include:
Ellen Rijs | Jeremy Neideck | Polly Sara | Dave Sleswick | Trevor Matthews | Angela Cole | Katrina Cornwell | Noni Harrison | David Cuthbertson | Nikki Thomas | Ione Rijs | Andy Townsend | Nathan Stoneham | Mia Cusack | Tully Sumner | Janine Watson | Ayesha Tansey | Tom Rogers | Peter Eckersall (mentor) | Yumi Umiumare (mentor) | Gail Kelly (mentor) | Catherine Pease (mentor) | Nat Cursio (mentor) | and others... x
Image credit: Autumn Tansey
2006 - 2007
Look Twice Theatre created devised work that aimed to break traditional theatre forms.
BETA LIFE
2007
Inspired by online world life Second Life, this physical theatre work explored our relationship with technology.
Presenter: Look Twice Theatre
@ 45 Downstairs
Supported by Scotwork
SPLIT
2006
A choose your own adventure.
You hold the power.
Presenter: Melbourne Fringe
@ Trades Hall
Supported by Monash University
Look Twice collaborators include:
Ellen Rijs | Ayesha Tansey | Nikki Thomas | Hannah Fox | Alex Burgess | Nic Moore | Evan Tweedie | Nick Coulson | Peter Kay | Isobelle Rudolph | Bryan Davidson Blue | Olivia Crang | Emma Louise Wilson | Mark Wilson | Jo Downing | Michael Jewell | Sarah Lawler | Penny McCabe.
Image credit: Autumn Tansey
