In Conversation with Karlia & Danni Cook – two thread
In this edition of In Conversation, we shine a light on two thread—a work by Karlia & Danni Cook, showing at The Blue Room Theatre from 13 to 17 May. two thread looks back through time, unearthing the fabric of our past, and the threads of our stories that are tightly woven together. It is a glimpse into our deepest reflections, contemplations and negotiations as kin. We meet ourselves through each other, honouring the collisions of lineages that exist within and around our bodies. We caught up with the sisters to dive into the creative process behind the work and what audiences can expect from this thrilling new production.
What motivated you to apply to be part of The Blue Room Theatre’s 2025 season, and what drew you to this project?
After performing the first iteration of our work two thread in Naarm in October 2024, it became very clear to us as artists and performers that we wanted to return this work to Boorloo. After both living here for many years, training at WAAPA, the Perth dance community became such a special place for us to grow as artists. The friendships we made here in and out of the dance spaces shaped us as adults and artists, so we were just super hyped to bring this work back here and share it with our close friends and fam.
What has stood out to you during the rehearsal process—any unexpected discoveries or moments of growth?
Being siblings and coming together to make a very intimate and vulnerable work is huge! We are continuing to learn and be challenged by this work and each other, letting the work be a reflection of us in this moment of time as sisters, adults and artists. It’s all working in relation to each other, so I think the work just takes on its own journey and teaches us the lessons we need to learn and listen to in that moment of time. Each iteration and performance is its own thing, living in its own realm, and we as artists are just bearing witness to all that is being reflected back at us.
What does having your show programmed in The Blue Room Season mean to you as a lead creative?
Having our show that we made together programmed in The Blue Room Season means the world to us! We began this project out of curiosity, just to be in the room dancing together as freelance artists. The work that has emerged out of this is very close to us, and for theatres to program us and what we have made means a lot and is always very encouraging.
As you move closer to opening, what are you most excited—or even nervous—about sharing with audiences?
We are so excited to share this work with our friends and family. For us, this work is full of love, truth, and story as we move with integrity and consideration for the communities and people who raised us and surround us! So very excited to have our friends and fam in the audience watching, and of course always nervous and confronted with the vulnerable feelings of bringing something so intimate to be witnessed on a stage by lots of people!
Image by Karlia Cook