Rachel has a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies from Royal Holloway University of London and a Masters in Applied Theatre from Manchester University. She began her career in the participatory arts sector in London as an arts educator and director of participatory arts programmes. Her previous experience includes work for Angel Shed, Artis Education, Creative Junction, Attic Theatre Company and The Oldham Coliseum, including arts programming alongside the London 2012 Olympics, which focused on celebrating the UK as the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement.
After settling in Ōtautahi in 2014, Rachel led the Court Theatre’s Education and Outreach Programme for seven years - leading on the teaching and learning programmes for a diverse range of young people and adult learners.
Rachel is General Manager of Jolt. She is Jolt’s main administrator, managing the financial, funding and Health and Safety components of the company.
rachel.tully@joltdance.co.nz
022 0901 705
Organisation/Company
Name: Jolt
My Role: Jolt
Jolt have been pioneers of innovative, inclusive dance practice since 2001. Our programmes challenge mainstream perspectives about dance, disability, and difference by exploring movements and connections that are artistically unique.
Jolt has also developed a dynamic performance programme that has expanded the boundaries of creativity. Audiences both with and without disabilities have been taken to places they haven’t been before, and which have altered their world view.
Whakapapa
Artform: Dance
Development Status: Tour Ready
Media Uploads
Trailer
Full Length
Synopsis
Whakapapa by Jolt
Whakapapa shares the stories of six dancers with intellectual disabilities: Joel Forman (Māori), Jokani Coe (Cook Islands/Samoa), Robert Sopoaga (Samoa), Jono Bennett (Fijian Indian), Jacob Levington (Pākehā), and Lachlan Oakes (Pākehā). Each story explores ideas of identity and connection to culture, history and ancestors through dance, text and film.
Jacob speaks to his family tree through personal tributes while Lachlan shares his passion for airplanes and the freedom of flight. Jokani’s piece, “There is a Mountain inside my Head”, remembers his connection to the mountains in Rarotonga. Joel’s piece tells the story of his great great grandmother Hana Kai Kai and his own story of his two whānau – his adopted Pākehā whānau and his reconnection to his birth Māori whānau.
Robert and Jono share their stories through film. Jono’s story, “The Tree”, was developed in Jolt’s writers’ workshops in 2022 and shares memories of his mother. Robert Sopoaga’s Siva (Samoan dance) highlights the mana of the performers, and the importance of cultural identity and community.
Creative Team and Crew
Director - Lyn Cotton
Dancers
Joel Forman
Jokani Coe
Jacob Levington
Lachlan Oakes
Number of People in the Touring Party
8
Previous Seasons
Whakapapa was first performed at Off Centre, a festival held at The Arts Centre (Ōtautahi) in March 2023 and has been presented in Christchurch at high schools, day service providers, for Vaka Tautua, Ngā Hau E Wha and at Hakatere Marae Matariki Celebrations.
Whakapapa was part of the Gathered Together Festival (Scotland, September 2024) programme.
Reviews and Quotes
As with all Jolt performances I have seen, the performers always shine onstage – people’s disabilities and impairments melt away, and the experience as an audience member is of watching a performer full stop (not a disabled performer) – Audience member, 2023 season
https://toiotautahi.org.nz/views/jolt-dancers-to-feature-at-glasgow-festival/
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/the-south-today/disabled-dancers-heading-scottish-festival%C2%A0
Technical Rider & International Touring Info (if applicable)
- View/download document #1 here
