In 2021 Steamworks Arts celebrates 21 years as an internationally acclaimed, WA based performing arts project company. Throughout the year the company will work with over 30 artists to present a program of new works and performance events that include world premieres of F H N B - Feminism has no Borders for Perth Festival in February and JULIA at the State Theatre Centre WA(STCWA) in May; and a revisited production of their inaugural smash-hit SAVAGE GRACE featuring the original cast at STCWA in August.

Steamworks Arts’ 2021 season starts with F H N B an international online dance film collaboration screening at The Blue Room from 23-27 February as part of Perth Festival’s program of free events. It is a series of short films that sees local and international dance artists partner up in a virtual choreographic collaboration. This meditative and mesmerising series takes a uniquely fresh approach to dance on film, borne of this time in a global pandemic when you cannot travel, or work face to face with your colleagues – but can still collaborate.  Created by four pairs of female choreographers in different locations and brought together by videographer Emma Fishwick and Sally Richardson, these films are gentle yet powerful explorations of feminism and landscape. F H N B offers fresh insight into the possibilities of form and the presentation of ideas in new and unexpected ways.  

In May JULIA has its world premiere at STCWA following a regional development in March/April. JULIA is a powerful and gripping solo dance theatre work by one of Australia's leading contemporary dancer's, Natalie Allen in partnership with some of WA’s leading women artists.Created in response to the parliamentary record, controversial media reportage and public commentary around the political leadership of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, this show is going to be unmissable! The season runs from 20-29 May at The Studio Underground at STCWA. More information about the project here.

In celebration of their 21 year anniversary, Steamworks is thrilled to bring back to the stage SAVAGE GRACE. The original creative team have revisited this powerful classic Australian play by Alana Valentine, one of Australia's most esteemed playwrights. A ground-breaking work and a timely provocation given our COVID climate, Alana has written a contemporary update to the original work, with both characters now experiencing the 'new' pandemic, as they look back over twenty years reflecting on love, loss, and their experience of the HIV-Aids pandemic that changed their lives forever. Starring Humphrey Bower and Gibson Nolte at STCWA in August.

“I am proud of Steamworks record in supporting the growth and development of the careers of many WA artists over the last 21 years. This year offers us the opportunity to celebrate our past, present and future, as we continue to develop new collaborations with artists here and overseas. The program of unique individual works reflects the creativity and diversity that has supported our ongoing sustainability,” (Sally Richardson)