YELLAMUNDIE FESTIVAL 2023 - Currents Beneath Skin by Maddison Fraser & Harlisha Newie-Joe

Currents Beneath Skin

Explores the deep connection between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through the journey of seashells. Born from the earth and shaped by the sea, shells carry stories across coastlines, symbolising cycles of birth, change, and continuity. However, the journey of these shells is increasingly disrupted by the shifting tides of the world today.

Rising seas and changing ecosystems threaten the balance of our land, water, and culture. The work reflects how the ocean’s surface, ever-changing yet constant, mirrors the resilience of our communities who continue to uphold their traditions and the ongoing effort to protect both the environment and the stories carried within it. Through the symbolism of the shell and the currents that guide them, Currents Beneath Skin highlights the fragility of connection between culture, environment, and identity in a changing world.

Maddison Fraser

Is a proud Palyku and Yindjibarndi woman from the Pilbara region of Western Australia. She grew up on Wajuk Land in Perth and now calls Darkinjung Land on the Central Coast of New South Wales home. Maddison is a graduate of NAISDA Dance College, where she completed her Advanced Diploma and developed her passion for storytelling through movement.

She has performed with Catapult Dance on Hysteria and danced in Jasmin Sheppard’s powerful work The Cord. She was also part of Song Spirals at Darwin Festival, choreographed by Rosalee Pearson. Most recently, Maddison performed with West Australian Ballet in Tara Gower’s stunning piece Ripples for their Ballet at the Quarry season.

With a vibrant spirit and deep cultural roots, Maddison brings warmth, strength, and joy to the stage. She’s passionate about sharing her stories, culture, and movement with audiences near and far—and she can’t wait to keep dancing her way forward.

Harlisha Newie-Joe

Is a proud Zenadth Kes woman from Mabuyag and Badu Island, she belongs to the Goemu and Wagadagam tribe and acknowledges her ancestral connections reaching across our Pacific Oceans. Harlisha spent most of her life growing up in Weipa, Cape York on Algnith Country. She is now currently living on the Central Coast, New South Wales on Darkinjung Country. Harlisha started training at NAISDA Dance College in 2020 and is currently in the final months of completing her Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s in June 2025. At NAISDA Harlisha has had the opportunity to be trained by various professional artists such as Vicki Van Hout, Jasmin Sheppard and Lee Serle. A passionate and dedicated performer, enriched by the privilege of dancing with renowned First Nations dance groups including Jannawi Dance Clan, Wagana Dancers and Magun Zenadth Kes Dance Group.