the artful podger
about
Alex Podger is a multi-disciplinary artist creating visual theatre, art installations and site-specific / outdoor performances in Europe and Australia, currently based in London. His body of work includes giant exploding sculptures, television commercials, music videos, 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.
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, ******* (China) and The Commonwealth Games Festival 2018 (Australia).
He has also designed and art directed TV commercials for clients including Nature’s Own, Breville, Instant Scratch It, and special effects for clients including Porsche.
PRESS
Based in East London, United Kingdom
“I was so moved to see the red light of the little boat carrying his ashes away through the darkness, reflected in the water with the green lights of the harbour markers.
His own crossing of the dark waters."
The GUARDIAN, 2021
Memorial, Dark Mofo 2021
"This year ... the signature opening and closing ceremonies really went off, and the final, Brueghelesque 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
"It's ... explosive and beautiful and glorious, and that's what life is."
ABC, 2021
Memorial, Dark Mofo 2021
"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."
scenestr,2016
the gremlins, Adelaide Fringe
"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."
annie edney, 2020
woodford closing ceremony
"In both its conception and execution, Little Boxes is an unconventional yet brilliant realisation of the imaginative possibilities of theatre."