Choreographic & Directorial Portfolio
'Flowers for Asteroids' (2022)
With a focus on process, developing a performer’s fiction, ensemble working, as well as studying both joy and a major celestial event as co-existing subjects, ‘Flowers for Asteroids’ is created from the many images, reflections, improvisations, as well as the choreographic material generated by the ensemble.
Commissioned by University of Salford, (Salford, Greater Manchester, UK).
Directed by Bridget Fiske & Joseph Lau / Project Auske
Choreographic content created by Bridget Fiske & Joseph Lau / Project Auske and the ensemble.
Performed by 2nd and 3rd year BA Dance students at University of Salford.
'Snow' (2019)
A work that reveals the contradictions and conflicts of individual identity and mass consciousness. An off shoot creation from ‘They Gather’. Performed by 2nd and 3rd year BA Dance students.
Commissioned by University of Salford (Salford, Greater Manchester, UK).
Composer: Stelios Manousakis.
Role: Director & Choreographer
'A Study of Many' (2019)
Presented as part of ATOM Choreographic Series #3 (Sofia, Bulgaria) from workshop outcomes utilising scores from 'They Gather' and Viewpoints principles. Performed by Independent and emerging artists from Bulgaria. Role: Director and Choreographer
'They Gather' (2016 - current)
‘They Gather' is an international multimodal and interdisciplinary project creating ‘gatherings’ of people, action, dance, sound and music. These interrelated performances explore the boundaries between audience, participant and performer in public, festival and cultural spaces subsequently creating dialogue with environments, societies, politics, histories and creating speculative futurologies. 'They Gather' aims to empower and create dialogue around the complexities and polarities of contemporary living. A tri-national initiative that brought partnerships and funding sources from Australia, the Netherlands and the UK together.
Works within this project have been presented by: The Lowry (UK), The Place & Chisenhale Dance’s 'How Do We Tune Into Sensation?' festival (UK), Rewire Festival (an international festival for adventurous music, NL), Modern Body Laboratory #3: Portals (NL), University of Salford and Supercell Festival of Contemporary Dance (AUS).
Role: Co-creator, Co-choreographer, Co-director & Performer.
'Viva: Reverb' (2017)
A new dance work for public spaces ‘VIVA: Reverb’ meditates on the human need to feel connected to place and to other. As part of a developing series of works that offer micro meditations on ‘living’, ‘VIVA: Reverb’ is a personal work that explores vulnerability, confrontation and relationship and sensitivity. A companion piece to 'Viva...' (2012) presented at University of Salford (Salford, Greater Manchester, UK). Role: Director & Choreographer
'Drawn Together Drawn Apart' (April 2013 - current)
This collaboration is with dance and fine artists working in dialogue between the physicality of movement and drawing that is at an initial investigative stage. Performed at TURN 2013 (Contact Theatre), Chorlton Arts Festival 2013 (Edge Theatre), Didsbury Arts Festival 2013 (Cafe Rouge), Homegrown at Z-Arts in Jan 2014 & Create at Salford Festival at MediaCityUK in Jun 2014. Role: Co-creator, Choreographer, Director & Performer.
'Deeper Than All Roses' (May 2013)
A live dance and music work, created and directed, for the FascinatE multimedia project that utilised state of the art 360 degree camera and advanced sound technologies for performance capture at MediaCityUK. The event hosted by the University of Salford, BBC, Technicolour & EU partners. Role: Co-creator, Choreographer, Director & Performer.
'You are the Most Important Thing to Me' (November 2012)
A work created on 2nd Year students at the University of Salford exploring areas associated with the theme of Sincerity such as interpersonal relationships, media, the political and society. Presented at the Robert Powell Theatre. Role: Choreographer & Director
'Viva…' (June 2012 - current)
A work for three dancers, “Viva…” is a reflection of age around birthdays, memory, and relationships. Commissioned as part of the Dance Channels programme, ‘Viva…’ offers a unique perspective on the theme of ‘the passage of time’. Dance Channels - International Contemporary Dance Exchange is a co-commission by Dance Initiative Greater Manchester (Manchester, UK), Trayectos (Zaragoza, Spain) & Corpi Urbani (Genova, Italy). Role: Choreographer & Director
Out of the Blue Productions works (July 2010 – current)
Part of a collaboration that creates sited combined new dance theatre and music works, Joseph has co-created the following works:
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‘Simple Remains’ (July 2010 – July 2011): duet for film (Oslip, Austria), studio/salon (Venice, Italy & London, UK) & sited spaces (Austrian Cultural Forum London, UK) for ensemble and piano with Emily Howard & Gavin Wayte (composers) and with Bridget Fiske (choreographer)
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‘Presense’: video work as adapted from ‘Simple Remains’ filmed at the Austrian Cultural Forum London, UK
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‘Evolve’ (June 2011): an interventionist work for two dancers and two musicians created in partnership with the BBC Philharmonic for the Gala Evening for the opening of new studios at MediaCityUK as of ‘BBC Philharmonic Presents…’ series for BBC Radio 3 with Emily Howard & Gavin Wayte (composers) and with Bridget Fiske (choreographer).
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‘Revolve’ (July 2012): sited work with harp and presented at Urban Moves 2012 with Gavin Wayte (composer) and with Bridget Fiske (choreographer)
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‘Bones of Spring’ (March 2013): sited and multimedia work with harp and presented at Bridgewater Hall for the BBC Philharmonic ‘Ink Still Wet’ series with Gavin Wayte (composer) and with Bridget Fiske (choreographer)
Out of the Blue Productions has been supported by Grants for the Arts funding from the National Lottery via Arts Council England.
'Abandoned Things – A Static Change Project' (May 2011)
A work for three dancers about the deconstruction of narrative text using abandonment as a theme and as a choreographic device to reveal abstract form. Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, this work was also a commissioning prize from TURN, a dance platform established through a partnership between greenroom, Dance Initiative Greater Manchester and hÅb. Role: Choreographer & Director
Solo Works
'The Age of Ledger' (July 2013 – current)
A political solo work exploring the social, moral and ethical consequences caused by a market based globalised economy and their effects on the psychology, behaviour and attitudes of individuals expressed through personal narratives. This project is supported by Grants for the Arts funding from the National Lottery via Arts Council England. Project partners include Dance Initiative Greater Manchester, Dance Base, Z-Arts & the University of Salford. Development showing was performed for the Homegrown season at Z-Arts in March 2014. Performances include Unity Theatre (Liverpool, UK 2016), Contact (Manchester, UK 2016) and was programmed as part of Person/All at Supercell Festival of Contemporary Dance Brisbane (Australia 2017).
'STAFF ID: 5201' (May 2012 - current)
This self performed political solo work asks questions about the value of human beings and responds to recent financial events and the rise of Capital in Asia and the East. Performed at TURN 2012 (Contact Theatre), Chorlton Arts Festival 2012 (Edge Theatre), Dance Cuts (Lancaster), Dance Base (Edinburgh), MediaCityUK for Black History Month at the University of Salford, & sited adaptation in the Work Ahead presented by hÅb (Contact Theatre). This project is supported by Grants for the Arts funding from the National Lottery via Arts Council England. Project partners include Dance Initiative Greater Manchester, Dance Base, Z-Arts & the University of Salford.
Performance Portfolio
'Iron Butterflies' (2019), Babylon '13
Ukrainian hybrid documentary about the downing of flight MH17 (in production), financed by Ukrainian Film State Agency. Producers: Andrii Kotliar, Anna Zobnina, Alexandra Bratyschenko. Director: Roman Lubiy. Choreographer: Bridget Fiske.
'Inner Terra' (2016-2017)
Choreographed by: Bridget Fiske. Presented to date at TURN, Manchester (UK) and Supercell Festival of Contemporary Dance, Brisbane (AUS).
'YES Move. NO Move. (Moved?)' (2015)
Bridget Fiske in collaboration with Catherine Simmonds, Melita Jurisic, Joseph Lau, Andrew Crofts, Miguel Marin and Community. A multi-EU country residency project realised in the framework of Be SpectACTive!
'Quero Quero' (development performance)
Director & Choreographer: Eleni Edipidi
Duet performed at TURN 2014 presented by Levantes Dance Theatre at Contact Theatre, Manchester (April 2014)
'Bodies in Urban Spaces'
Director & Choreographer: Willi Dorner
Assistants: Ian Dolan
Joseph performed this work with cast at Bangor, Wales (October 2013) presented by Migrations in partnership with Pontio
'Zero Hour'
Directors: Andrew Quick and Pete Brooks
Performed with the cast of imitating the dog at the British Council Edinburgh Showcase at the Edinburgh Fringe (August 2013).
'Deeper Than All Roses'
Director & Choreographer: Joseph Lau (May 2013)
Composer: Dr Stephen Davismoon
Joseph performed with dancer & collaborator Shona Roberts at the FascinatE event at MediaCityUK hosted by the University of Salford, BBC, Technicolour & EU partners.
Out of the Blue Productions
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‘Simple Remains’ at Oslip (Austria, July-Sep 2010), Teatro La Fenice (Venice, May 2011), as part of the program of events hosted by The Nicholas Boas Charitable Trust at 22 Mansfield St (London, May 2011), and the Austrian Cultural Forum London (July 2011).
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‘Evolve’ was performed at new studios at MediaCityUK as of ‘BBC Philharmonic Presents…’ series for BBC Radio 3 (June 2011).
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‘Bones of Spring’ was performed at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester (March 2013) for the ‘Ink Still Wet’ Series hosted by BBC Philharmonic.
Dynion (Pro) Dance
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'Excess': Director & Choreography: Douglas Comley (2010)
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'Suited & Booted': Director & Choreography: Douglas Comley (2010)
Dancer for an all male dance group whose latest work dealt with themes about the excesses of the financial world. ‘Excess’ went on tour to Welsh theatres from September to November after its premiere at the Swansea Grand Theatre. ‘Suited and Booted’ was choreographed for the outdoors for the Dance Days Outdoor Dance Festival in Swansea. Dynion Pro is an Art Council Wales funded company through Tan Dance.
Slunglow
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'They Only Come at Night'. Director & Choreography: Alan Lane & Lucy Hind (2009).
Joseph's first UK engagement as one of two vampires for the climactic scene of the production. The movement style of the role was created in collaboration with the other employed dancer as well as with the director and choreographer. This production premiered at The Lowry in September 2009. Slunglow is an Arts Council England funded theatre company.
Opera Queensland
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'Turandot'. Director & Choreography: Graeme Murphy & Kim Walker (2008)
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'Andre Chewier'. Choreography: Rosetta Cook (2002)
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'Pearl Fishers'. Choreography: Rosetta Cook (2001)
Dancer in the above major opera productions. Choreography applied contemporary dance techniques and aesthetics. All productions were performed in the Lyric Theatre of the Queensland Performing Arts Complex in Brisbane, Australia. Opera Queensland is the State of Queensland’s major opera company that is also funded federally as well.
Project Auske
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'Collection One Season'. 'The Electrician Travels North'. Choreography: Bridget Fiske (2008)
Solo performance developed utilising elements of break dance, voice & character in performance, video and contemporary dance. Performed in Brisbane, Australia. Project Auske is a banner independent creative partnership of Joseph Lau and Bridget Fiske for independent and commercial practice.
Dada Dance
'Arrivi Partenze'. Choreography: Boris Bivona & Jodie Anne White (2007)
Dance created for & performed in 2007 Italian Week celebrations in the Cremorne Theatre of the Queensland Performing Arts Complex in Brisbane, Australia. Later in the year, a lecture demo was presented to music conference attendees at the Queensland Conservatory of Music, Brisbane, Australia. DaDa Dance is an independent partnership between Boris Bivona and Jodie Anne White.
Barking Gecko Theatre Company
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'Hidden Dragons'. Director: Grahame Gavin (2005 – 2006)
Dramatic acting lead role as ‘Brendan’, an 11 year old body coming to grips with his Chinese identity within Australian culture. Performed and toured extensively in Australia to major capital cities and venues including the Sydney Opera House and the Victorian Centre of Arts as well as regional and remote areas of Australia over two years. Month long International tour to Canada in May 2006 as part of the Canada’s annual children festival circuit that included the Vancouver International Children’s Festival and the International Children’s Festival in St Albert, Alberta. Barking Gecko is a state and federal funded theatre company
Dancenorth (Australia)
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'Tangled Whispers'. Choreography: Jason Pitt (2005)
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'Chit Chat Club'. Choreography: Kylie Ball (2005)
'Tangled Whispers' was a dance tasked based creation that included applying William Forsythe’s approach to movement/phrase creation. 'Chit Chat Club 'was created via tasks and movement provided by the choreographer. Dances created and performed in School of Arts Theatre, Townsville, Australia. Dance North is a state and federal funded contemporary dance company.
Buzz Dance Theatre
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'Beat Routes' (Creative Dev only) Choreography: Felicity Bott (2004)
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'Beat Cake'. Choreography: Felicity Bott (2004)
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'The Honey Season'. Dancers’ choreographic studio program (2003)
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'Rumpelstiltskin'. Choreography: Paige Gordon (2003)
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'Fracture' Choreography: Paige Gordon (2003)
Employed as full-time company member with duties involving creative development, performance, teaching and workshop facilitation. Creative product was created through character development, collaborative & task based rehearsals and new skill acquisition (including hip hop, latin dance and tumbling). Workshop and classes devised and delivered to children and young people (considered in Australia to be up to 26 yrs old). Toured extensively throughout regional Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, Australia. Buzz is a state and federal funded contemporary dance company.
Rio Rhythmics
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'Olodum'. Choreography: Choreography Tarcisio Teatini-Climaco & Larissa Thayne (2008)
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Goodwill Games Opening Ceremony: Choreography Tarcisio Teatini-Climaco (2001)
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
'Dance Dance Dance' Primary School Season. Choreography: Kristen Bell and Bridget Fiske (2001)
Cherry Herring - Independent Dance Collective
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'Riverscapes'. Section choreography: Jean Tally (1999)
Queensland Art Gallery
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'Moving Visions'. Choreography: Wendy Wallace (1997)
Producing & Artist-led Development Portfolio
Prior to studying dance, Joseph completed a Bachelor of Commerce at University of Queensland and qualified as an Australian Chartered Accountant. This dual knowledge has supported Joseph to take on roles in arts & cultural leadership and spearhead artist led initiatives. Roles include:
CURRENT: Project Auske (Co Founding Director), hAb (Advisory Committee Member) and Manchester Dance Consortium (Strategic Group Member)
PREVIOUS: Company Chameleon (Board Member), Ausdance Queensland (Treasurer), Critical Mass - Brisbane artist led initiative (Committee Member) and Expressions Dance Company (Treasurer)
Teaching & Facilitation Portfolio
2011 - current: University of Salford
Sessional and maternity cover contracts delivering of the Bachelor of Arts, Dance in the areas of contemporary dance technique, choreography and dance history.
2009 - 2012: STRIDE, a Greater Manchester dance project for young men
Role: Outreach workshops, group leader, support artist and choreography.
A project run by Dance Manchester and Artistically Directed by Company Chameleon.
2003 - 2004: Buzz Dance Theatre
Role: Delivery of workshop program to primary & secondary school students, teachers’ professional development, and community classes.
2002: Corinda State High School
Role: Workshop delivery on creating movement and choreography for Year 11 students.
1998 - 1999: Access Arts (Inc)
Role: Co-team leader with a visual artist in the Multi-Arts program for persons with disabilities (initially starting as an assistant leader in a prior term)
Education & Training
Joseph's life moving started with Karate as a teenage. In 1998 Joseph completed the Bachelor of Arts (Dance - Performance) at Queensland University of Technology. Since then Joseph has continued to train in various contemporary dance techniques and ballet. He has spent much time training in martial arts (Capoeira / Taekwondo) as well as various body conditioning methods. Alongside training in physical techniques Joseph has invested in training with an acting coach and in physical theatre methods such as Suzuki & Viewpoints.