Spoonful is proudly presented by String of Pearls Productions, supported by the Inner West Council
String of Pearls Productions is an independent production company dedicated to platforming and elevating culturally diverse and alternative emerging artists. Executive Producer and Founder, Lulu Barkell, aims to champion experimental, accessible and unconventional works.
Spoonful is co-curated by Lulu Barkell + Ampersand (&)
Lulu Barkell is a multidisciplinary Greek-Australian artist, based in Bulanaming/Midjuburi. Their work reflects their experiences as a disabled and ethnically diverse person, exploring creative expression through prose poetry, performance art, theatre producing and directing, photography, film and production design. Lulu finds catharsis in sharing personal anecdotes and stories, seeking connections within niche and underrepresented communities. Their work centres on themes of identity and embodiment, with their artistry deeply rooted in lived experience. Lulu aims to further develop their individual practice by creating multisensory, immersive, and accessible performance work that integrates tactile art, sound, scent, and intentionally unpalatable design elements. Lulu is excited to see the arts scene, exiting from traditional art practices and restrictions, into a new renaissance of experimentation in unconventional spaces.
Their proudest work include; NIDA's ‘Great Expectations’ (Theatre; Actor, 2016), Belvoir Street Theatre (Work Experience, assisting in ‘The Drover’s Wife', and 'Ruby’s Wish' 2016), Mimi Casting, ‘Concrete’ (Short Film; Cultural Advisor and Greek Translator, 2022), PACT Centre for Emerging Artists, ‘Bacchants’ (Theatre; Actor, Costume & Set Designer, 2024), KXT ‘In the Vault Residency Program’ (Theatre; Associate Producer with Red Zebra Productions, 2024), ‘Overdone’ (Short Film; Writer/Director/Producer, 2025), ‘Keeping Rave Culture Alive in Eora’ (Documentary; Director & Producer, 2025), Sydney Fringe, On the Cusp at Critical Path, 'In Good Health' (Performance Work, 2026), and 'Doll Bludger', (Performance Work, 2026), debuting at HYP3DD and ALTGRL WRLD. In 2026 Lulu was proud to present ‘Found; Missing Archives’ (Roaving Puppet Installation) at the Biennale of Sydney, in collaboration with Red Zebra Productions, supported by Inner West Council, sponsorship by Reverse Garbage, with thanks to Highly Strung Puppets.
‘&’ is an emerging interdisciplinary neurodiverse artist and producer, raised in Sydney's Southwest. Amp’s current role as Critical Path’s venue coordinator whilst studying dance at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), combined with their Bachelor of Fine Arts Printmaking from the National Art School (NAS), emboldens them to create art and events. Engaging communities and exploring dance as expanded printmaking; challenging preconceived notions of genre and medium in a fine arts context while encouraging self-determination and social awareness.