FOUNTAIN

FOUNTAIN explores the psycho-physical world of auditions through a queer interpretation of 1980s classics including Alan Parker’s FAME (1980) and Jane Fonda’s ‘Workout’ (1982). Exploring themes of repetition, trauma euphoria, exhaustion, endurance and fierce competition, dancers subject themselves to absurd, childish, and fantastical tasks. How far will they go? FOUNTAIN captures the aspirations, struggles, and triumphs of dancers seeking to gain a foothold in the ‘industry’ whilst holding onto a Utopian drive ‘to live forever’. Scored for prepared piano, theremin, bells and recorded retro synth pop, the soundscape evokes both an eerie cinematic atmosphere, and a manic Jane Fonda-esque aerobics class.

The Victorian College of the Arts is thrilled to be included in the RISING program, showcasing VCA Dance and Design and Production students. The cast’s youthful dynamic energy mirrors the high-stakes, camp, and comedic intensity of A Chorus Line. FOUNTAIN is a challenge that is both fitting and inspiring during the students’ final year of training.

Presented by VCA Dance and Design and Production Students as part of RISING

CREATIVE TEAM

Director & Choreographer: Phillip Adams
Composer: Jordan Gilmour
Dramaturg: Cam Appleby
Set Designer: Nethmi Oshadi Gunasekera
Costume Designer: Isobel McCauley
Lighting Designer: Andrew Thompson
Vision Designer: Jett Manzie
Assistant Vision Designer: Lochlan Maher

Dancers:
Rikia Bell
Leyla Boz
Mia Canton
Sarah Ceraso
Flynn Dakis
Grace Galimberti Espinoza
Natalie Hardy
Jesper Harrison
Belinda Hunt
Indi Mcqeen
Bronte Paruit
Kitana Price
Toni Stathopoulos
Ava Sugden
Cassidy Thomson
Natalie Trainor
Angelique Van Kempen
Isabel Walsh
Keely Wood-Hill

Ticket Prices
General Admission: $15
Please contact fineartsmusic-er@unimelb.edu.au if you require any companion tickets. 

Run time
This performance will run for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes including an interval. Any latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of front of house.

Content Note
This performance contains the use of themes of abuse, flashing and moving lights, loud sounds, smoke and haze. 

Venue
This performance takes place in Martyn Myer Arena, accessible via The Octagon entrance located on the corner of Grant and Dodds St. Please meet Front of House in the foyer to be admitted to the performance space.

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has recently changed the parking restrictions on Grant Street. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine. More information.

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit:  https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.  
• In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.  
• Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour. 

Image: 3 Deep, 2025.