Ward of State | Digital Stage

Director: Claire Marshall

Director: Kevin Holloway

Director: Jane Wallace

Director: Sarah-Jane Woulahan

Director: Sarah Hawkins

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.” – Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film or New Media, Australian Dance Awards for Ward of State 2015 Presented by Claire Marshall Trigger Warnings: Abuse and Sexual Abuse, Child abuse/ Incest. Ward of State may be triggering to anyone who was a ward of the state, or who is related to someone who was a ward of the state. PG – not recommended for children under 15 years of age without parental/guardian guidance. Cast: Richard Causer, Libby McDonnell. Chafia Brooks, Mariana Paraizo, as well as Savannah Foran-McDaniel and Kahlee Wadell Choreographer, Producer, Story: Claire Marshall Cinematographer: Kevin Holloway Editor: Jane Wallace Shoot director: Sarah-Jane Woulahan Art Direction: Sarah Hawkins Score: Susan Hawkins