Photo by Peter Zuvela.

THE SPACE BETWEEN

This residency marks the second development stage of a new performance work to be presented later this year as part of the Fremantle Biennale. Rooted in embodied practice and rhythmic traditions from the Indian Ocean, the work continues to explore themes of belonging, resilience, and transformation. Through movement, sound, and storytelling, it draws on ancestral memory to navigate the spaces between the seen and unseen — between the self and the collective. This phase of the process deepens earlier explorations, focusing on refining the performance language and further grounding the work’s sensory and emotional landscape.

Dr. Muriel Hillion-Toulcanon is a multidisciplinary artist, artistic director, composer and researcher specialising in Maloya music and dance, and is the founder and lead artist of Salama, a Perth-based Maloya ensemble blending traditional Maloya and Sega with contemporary influences. Originally from Réunion Island, she has dedicated her career to sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Indian Ocean through music, movement, and storytelling. 

Hillion-Toulcanon holds a doctorate in Maloya music and dance, making her the first to earn this distinction, and currently teaches at WAAPA as a sessional lecturer in Devising Physical Theatre. Her artistic vision is deeply rooted in community engagement, authenticity, and innovation, making her a leading figure in contemporary Creole performance.