Overview
Ward of State is a 30-minute narrative dance film about a girl who was taken from her mother and stepfather and placed in the care of the state in a Magdalene Convent Laundry. Set in the 1930s to 1940s, Ward of State depicts the journey of both the daughter and mother characters, and delves into subject matters of abuse, neglect, and mental illness.
Ward of State is inspired by choreographer Claire Marshall’s research into her family genealogy. A significant portion of the narrative and the film’s characters are based on what Claire learned about her family history, as well as a discovery that her family were performers who toured Australia and internationally. Ward of State also draws from research, interviews and stories of other women who were placed into the vulnerable care of the state in Australia.
Ward of State was made with financial support from Arts Queensland and generous crowdfunding on Pozible. Ward of State premiered in New Farm, Brisbane, in December 2014 and was programmed in numerous international dance film festivals, including the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, Mexico City Videodance Festival (winner 2016), Blow-Up International Art House Filmfest, Chicago, and the EnCore: Dance on Film, Georgia, USA.
In 2015, Ward of State won an Australian Dance Award for Best New Media/Dance Film.
For a bold and engaging collaboration of dance and music with wonderful choreography and outstanding editing, direction and production.
Cast and Creatives
- Cast Richard Causer
- Cast Libby McDonnell
- Cast Chafia Brooks
- Cast Mariana Paraizo
- Cast Savannah Foran-McDaniel
- Cast Kahlee Wadell
- Cinematographer Kevin Holloway
- Editor Jane Wallace
- Shoot director Sarah-Jane Woulahan
- Score Susan Hawkins
You may also like
-
London Symphony Orchestra In Conversation with Sir Simon Rattle
Watch NowDigital StageJoin London Symphony Orchestra Music Director conductor, Sir Simon Rattle in conversation with Martin Buzacott.
-
Shikara Ringdahl, Nick Kirkup, Daniel Kramer and Sumi Jo performing on stage at Festival of Outback Opera 2025Peter Wallis Singing in the Night
Watch NowDigital StageExperience Opera like never before with this brand-new documentary from Opera Queensland.
-
The Art of the Possible with Paul Grabowsky The Art of the Possible with Paul Grabowsky
Watch NowDigital StageExplore The Art of the Possible with legendary Australian musician, composer and arts leader Paul Grabowsky.
-
Workshop facilitator Helen StephensJustin Harrison Dead Puppet Society Puppet Manipulation Workshop
Digital StageThis unique program guides participants through a series of exercises using common household materials to gain skills in puppetry manipulation and performance.
-
Workshop facilitator Helen StephensJustin Harrison Dead Puppet Society Puppet Construction Workshop
Digital StageDesign and build a basic puppet using easily accessible household materials in this Puppet Construction Workshop.
-
Capricorn by Aidan Rowlingson
Rent NowDigital StageExplore the tumultuous love story of Sam and Ally in this gripping play that delves into the complexities of relationships, love, and loss.
-
JALI – Q&A with Oliver Twist JALI – Q&A with Oliver Twist
Watch NowDigital StageHear from Rwandan born Australian writer, director, and performer Oliver Twist in this Q&A session following his 2022 performance of JALI on Digital Stage.
-
Dame Judi Dench and Gyles Brandreth ‘I Remember it Well’ with Dame Judi Dench
Rent NowDigital StageJoin Dame Judi Dench and her friend Gyles Brandreth on a roller-coaster trip down memory lane.