       | |
 |
|
1992 - 1994
Jen's first produced work was in 1992 - Out of Time. It went on to be presented at Vitalstatistix Theatre Company's 1993 Winter Play Readings as well as the 1994 Adelaide Fringe Festival with rave reviews, along with a sequel, Out Of Control. The music from these shows was recorded with funding from Arts SA.1994 - 1995
Later in 1994 Jen's ideas progressed to working with circus skills and visually spectacular designs, creating unique work with use of stilts and colourful designs with costumes and bodypaint. A long time collaboration with makeup and bodypaint artist Jodee Lenaine-Smith commenced. The show Junk Culture, later extended to Crash Culture were the results of this early experimentation. Crash Culture launched singing and music sensation Heather Frahn, to an amazed public and arts industry.1995 - 1996
A niche market developed for the large colourful Slack Taxi presence at major events - corporate and festival, and has continued to expand for the following decade or so. Roving stiltwalkers, unicyclists, acrobats, all costumed and designed to highlight event themes have been a huge success.Jen has continued to write, direct and produce original work with the production Human Remains in late 1995, that again produced original songs recorded in 1996, by Mel Watson and Sam Lohs of the renowned band Fruit.
1996 - 1997
In 1996 Jen gained Commonwealth and State Government funding to develop her "largest" work which featured giant 3 - 4 metre high puppets. A long time collaboration develops with talented South Australian designer and artist, Steve Hayter, who designs, creates and continues to perfect the Giant Puppets and other large scale Slack Taxi characters. Showcased at major international festivals, the move to innovative and dynamic designs has seen Slack Taxi tour extensively nationally and internationally. Roving of the giant puppets has been a frequent feature at major events since.Jen's completion of training in Business Management during this period, has further fueled the expansion of Slack Taxi in the corporate sector. Jen's professional approach and artistic expertise, makes for clear communication and fulfillment of client requirements.
Jen has been invited to work on projects outside of Slack Taxi - in 1997 adding her unique touch to an Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital's charity production, plus working with young people on projects run by Carclew Youth Arts Centre.
1998
Jen continues to expand Slack Taxi, constantly adding new performers to the group, and developing new ideas and innovative designs with Steve Hayter, including the Origami Creatures. Internationally acclaimed WOMADELAIDE becomes a launch festival to debut new Slack Taxi designs, having been the debut festival over the years for the Giant Puppets, Origami Creatures, and acrobatic Bouncers.
1999 - 2006
Jen's expertise as a national and international tour manager takes over. Jen tours Slack Taxi through the Northern Territory of Australia in 1999, and in the same year takes spectacular roving characters to Singapore. Appearances at Singapore WOMAD is the highlight. Jen gains funds from the Australia Council to assist Singapore tour costs as part of the Australian Olympic Committee's "Reaching the World" project.An extensive European tour results in 2000 with Jen securing high profile contracts at EXPO 2000 and Tollowood Festival in Germany, and Glastonbury and WOMAD festivals in England - plus 5 other events along the way! Jen gains valuable financial tour assistance from Arts SA for this tour.
A return to Europe in 2002 with Slack Taxi's new acrobatic Bouncers, for festivals in The Netherlands, Germany, and international music festival at Roskilde in Denmark, are further highlights for Slack Taxi's growing international reputation.From 2000 to 2002 further bookings in Singapore at corporate launches, shopping centres and major events keep the Taxi moving, extending Jen's business/artistic connections even further in the region.
2003 to 2007
.... Further international touring keeps Jen driving the Taxi forward. From Hong Kong to Japan the Giant Puppets and Bouncers are in demand by new markets.
During these years, Jen expands her experience by working full-time in the corporate sector, gaining further skills in business and communications. At the same time Jen ensures Slack Taxi's ongoing success, planning and coordinating 6 tours to Japan, and experimenting with new "Goblin" designs created by Steve Hayter.
2008 and on
.... Jen's extensive corporate and artistic background now combine for a new Slack Taxi era ... stay tuned!
