In Conversation with Ian & Nadiah – SKIN
In this edition of In Conversation, we shine a light on SKIN—a new dance-theatre piece by Ian de Mello, premiering at The Blue Room Theatre on 26 & 28 June. SKIN is an intimate exploration of love, loss, and the unspoken bonds that shape us. Through the lens of brown skin, we witness the deeply personal and often unseen experiences that ripple through families, hearts, and bodies. We caught up with Ian & Nadiah, Co-Choreographers & Performers, 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?
The Blue Room felt like the perfect home for SKIN—a space that champions independent, experimental work and invites audiences into new ways of seeing. We wanted to bring this deeply personal and political work to a platform that would hold it with care and curiosity. It was also an opportunity to introduce audiences to the depth and storytelling power of Street Dance in a theatrical context, where movement and dance become more than entertainment.
How has the creative journey been so far—from concept development to rehearsals?
The creative process has been smooth, introspective and deeply personal. From the very beginning, it felt like the work was revealing itself to us, day by day, layer by layer, strengthening the vision and the message. Each rehearsal has brought more depth and new insights into our creativity and capturing thoughts. Not just in movement but in the emotional and cultural storytelling we share through our bodies. It’s been especially rewarding to return to the roots of street dance and freestyle, not just as an art form but as a language for truth, power and resilience. There’s a certain freedom in creating without needing to explain everything; just letting the body speak has made this process sacred and a reminder that storytelling through our body is necessary.
What has stood out to you during the rehearsal process—any unexpected discoveries or moments of growth?
Being a couple and working on something intimate has brought challenges and growth. The process has been revealing, creatively and personally. As we navigate our stories, artistry and relationship, it continues to unveil itself to us within the work. You realise that no matter how much control you think you have as an artist, the work has its own truth to tell, and we have to listen and, from there, create without our mind or ego in the way.
How has the collaboration with your cast, crew, and creatives shaped the work and your vision for it?
This work wouldn’t be what it is without the insight and artistry of our collaborators. Each person brought their own lens, background and fire to the table, allowing the show to grow into something multidimensional.
What does having your show programmed in The Blue Room Season mean to you as a lead creative?
It’s a huge milestone for the visibility of Street Dance and freestyle movement within theatre spaces. To have our voices, bodies and stories held in a space like The Blue Room is both affirming and deeply meaningful. We’re honoured to be part of a program that values bold, independent work, and it feels powerful to stand here as Street Dance artists, telling stories that don’t often get centre stage.
As you move closer to opening, what are you most excited—or even nervous—about sharing with audiences?
We’re excited to experience SKIN in its rawest, most honest form; live and in full presence with the audience. We’re also deeply proud to be part of a collective shift—bringing Street Dance into a theatre space not just as entertainment or a “session”, “battle” or “showcase” but as storytelling. This isn’t about flashy moves; it’s about our history, our journey and our presence here as humans. That’s what we’re sharing, and that’s what makes it both thrilling and vulnerable.
What is your show bringing to the Perth arts scene, and what do you think would help strengthen the local arts ecosystem?
SKIN brings raw, expressive movement and Street Dance to the stage in a way that’s deeply personal and emotionally charged. We’re offering stories, soul, and shared experiences. To strengthen the local arts ecosystem, we need more space for thought-provoking work, emotionally resonant and inclusive art that allows people to feel seen, heard and reflected in powerful ways. Not just for entertainment. This allows us to transmute our message into both self and collective empowerment.