Artistic Practice

I believe in the collaborative power of theatre. Creating an ensemble and learning a shared vocabulary that transcends cultural differences and finds common ground to create something original and dynamic. — Caroline Dunphy, Co-Artistic Director

How We Work

Belloo’s work is built through long-term collaboration, intercultural exchange and process-led creation.

While each production differs in content and form, our methodology remains consistent: we build work through sustained artistic relationships. 

An example of this sustained artistic relationship is our 8-year ongoing relationship with IDIOT SAVANT theater company (Japan) and Good Company Arts (New Zealand). Our three companies met at Tokyo Performing Arts Market in 2017 and realised we held a shared sensibility and desire to work collaboratively. This resulted in the following:

• 2018 – A two-week development of shared practice in Australia;

• 2020 – The premiere of a full-length bilingual work, House in the Dunes, performed in a 400-year-old temple in Yokohama;

• 2021 – We moved our practice online during COVID-19 and were still able to collaborate and present an original new work, AKIRUNO, as part of the Tokyo Tokyo Festival;

• 2023 – Good Company Arts brought us back together for DRAGON, a cinematic dance work; and

• 2024 – Good Company Arts joined Belloo and Taikoz for the production of SAND at Redland Performing Arts Centre.

Collaborative Direction

Co-Artistic Directors Caroline Dunphy and Katherine Lyall-Watson work in close partnership. Our co-leadership model is dialogic: writing, directing and dramaturgy evolve together through studio investigation and physical exploration. We work lock-step with each other and with our fellow collaborators.

Process-Led Creation

Collaborative process is vital for our work and we embed respect, listening, open communication, and understanding at every stage of our practice.

We embed a principle of First Nations First in all our work and employ Elders to give on country Cultural Awareness Training at the start of any projects that have connections to specific land and waters. 

Our practice includes:

• Cultural Awareness Training

• Research residencies

• International exchange

• Community engagement

• Masterclasses and training

Intercultural & International Exchange

International collaboration is central to our artistic identity. We prioritise:

• Long-term relationships over one-off touring

• Reciprocal artistic exchange

• Cultural consultation and sensitivity in rehearsal rooms

• Flexibility of outcome and scale

Outcomes may include full productions, site-based works, research presentations or exchange programs.

Relationship as Method

We believe artistic relationships develop over time. We engage collaborators with care, clarity and reciprocity — recognising that meaningful exchange extends beyond a single project.

Companies and Collaborations

Collaborating partners include:

• Good Company Arts (New Zealand)

• IDIOT SAVANT theater company (Japan)

• Taikoz (Sydney)

• Critical Stages Touring (Australia)

• Redland Performing Arts Centre (Australia)

• JUTE (Cairns)

• Women of the World Festival (Australia)

• Queensland Theatre Company (two-year company residency)