Breathing Archive “A photographically queer conversation” chronicles Sydney’s queer and kink performance cultures of the 1990s and early 2000s. Made on Gadigal land, by photographer Jamie James, with dramaturge/performer Victoria Spence and creative team, Breathing Archive combines storytelling, projections, performance and community voice in a no-holes-barred queer experience.

Drawing on the early years of James’ rich and vibrant longitudinal documentation, Breathing Archive plumbs the depths of collective memory; queer lineage and celebrates the ways we access and understand our shared histories.

Performance times

Wed 22 Oct, 9-10pm
Fri 24 Oct, 9-10pm (Auslan interpreted)
Sat 25 Oct, 9-10pm

Content warning

This work includes images of nudity, body fluids, drug use, sexual acts, BDSM, and a dead body.

Creative team
Lead Artist, Jamie James
Outside Eye, Dramaturg and Performer, Victoria Spence
Video Editor, Nisa East
Assistant Video and Sound Editor, Julian Hamman
Soundscape, DJ Gemma
Lighting Designer, Karen Norris

Breathing Archive is presented by Performance Space as part of Liveworks 2025.

Commissioned by Performance Space for Liveworks 2025 and presented by Performance Space.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, by the NSW Government through Create NSW and through the City of Sydney.

Image: "Emergency” senVoodo (Wojak, Fiona Kelly McGregor with Rush) PB's fundraiser, The Kirk, Redfern. 2002