Karul Projects Dance Theatre is a First Nations-led performing arts company founded in 2017 and based on Minjungbal Country. Established by Artistic Director Thomas E.S. Kelly (Minjungbal, Wiradjuri, Ni-Vanuatu) and Associate Artistic Director Taree Sansbury (Kaurna, Narungga and Ngarrindjeri), Karul creates high-calibre contemporary performance experiences that draw from dance, theatre, voice, rhythm and physical language to share stories with emotional force and cultural integrity.
Karul’s body of work spans stage productions, site-responsive works and community performance. Major works include the nationally touring production Silence, site-responsive audience work The Walking Track, and earlier stage works including [MIS]CONCEIVE, CO_EX_EN, Kuramanunya, Weredingo and mi:wi. The company has presented work in partnership with leading festivals, venues and presenters including Brisbane Festival, Adelaide Festival, Sydney Opera House, BLEACH* Festival, Metro Arts, Bondi Pavilion and Adelaide Fringe.
Karul is currently in creative development on three new major works: The Mighty Mob, Gahbiya-Barnhu, and an international collaboration with Atamira Dance Company (Aotearoa New Zealand). These projects reflect the company’s artistic ambition and its growing national and international networks.
As Karul grows, it remains focused on building meaningful long-term relationships with presenters and communities, and ensuring First Nations stories are deeply felt on stages across Australia and beyond.
