Alex Podger is a creator of visual theatre, art installations and site-specific / outdoor performances in Europe and Australia. His body of work includes giant exploding sculptures, television commercials, outdoor operas and large-scale spectacle theatre works with puppets, pyrotechnics and orchestras.
While difficult to define by genre, his work is always centred around a strong sense of community and the creation of a unique shared experience with audiences small and large.
Podger’s work often involves spectacular visuals, light, large puppets, folklore, fire and pyrotechnics accompanied by striking music. His projects range from theatre, circus, street and opera to large scale art installations and mass public rituals.
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Alex is the Artistic Director of Woodford Folk Festival’s flagship Closing Ceremony which is the largest annual outdoor theatre project in Australia. He has created work with internationally celebrated spectacle theatre company Macnas (Ireland), the enigmatic mid-winter festival Dark Mofo (Australia),Hull UK City of Culture with Macnas, Opera Australia, Opera Queensland,Realive Entertainment (China) and The Commonwealth Games Festival 2018 (Australia).
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As a designer and prop maker, his TV commercial clients include:
Nature’s Own, Breville, Instant Scratch It and Specsavers.
Since the Ides of March 2020, he has had some success growing potatoes, learning to play the accordion and creating a touring shadow play called 'Anytime The Wind Can Change'.
PRESS
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Based in East London, United Kingdom
"This year ... the signature opening and closing ​cere​monies really went off ... and the final, BrueghelÂesque Fire Event in particular was drama charged."
The Australian, 2016
woodford closing ceremony
"This is oddball slapstick comedy at its best — weird, wonderful, well rehearsed, superbly delivered and completely unpredictable."
★★★★★
the advertiser, 2016
The Gremlins, ADelaide Fringe
"There is something going on in almost every corner of the arena – dancing and movement all punctuated with song and fire."
REVERB STREET PRESS, 2016
woodford closing ceremony
"The Gremlins is one of those rare shows that simultaneously entertains children and adults in equal measure."
"Weaving together the considerations of the festival management, the local fire brigade, his own artistic ideas and processes and the huge expectations of the audience ... Alex came up with such an elegant and powerful solution it brought a standing ovation from the audience."
"...starting with a dramatic work by fire artist Alex Podger. On a vacant parking lot, kerosene-fueled flames from 1,100 tin cans outlined Podger’s Celtic (Sun) cross."
