Activators is Chunky Move’s commissioning program for small scale experimental new work with an open ended approach to the format and platform for presentation. We commission multiple works annually and the program is curated by invitation only. Activators is grounded in choreographic approaches to site, space, time and material with the body at the centre of investigation. The program acknowledges expanded practice in art making as an aspect informing contemporary dance and Activators commissioned artists play a role in shaping and influencing contemporary and future dance practice. Previous works in the program have explored digital screen based practice and animation, hybrid performance lecture contexts, gallery formats and live streamed events.

Photo by Jocelyn Janon
Jahra (Arieta) Wasasala is a Fijian/Pakeha world-builder, movement psychopomp and writer of realms. Within Viti, they hail from the provinces of Macuata and Ba. Jahra is based in the relational space between a world ending and another world beginning. They centre dance as the chosen tool of transmutation, living-memory, and embodiment, whilst expanding that living work into sound, adornment, poetry, sculpture, and digital realms through their collaborations that have travelled internationally. Jahra gives gratitude to Tāmaki Makaurau (raised) and Te Awa Kairangi-ki-Uta (current) and their multiple iwi, and to the influence that relationship to place undoubtedly has on every artist’s work. Jahra affectionately sees their work as ‘Oceanic Terror-fi’, and constantly moves towards being spirit-led and blood-led in their evolving creative offering.