CONTRIBUTARIES
Geelong City Hall, presented as part of ROAM Geelong, 11 October 2025
Acolytes in performance (centre - River Acolyte Ingrid Petterson). Photo: Peter Foster
A captivating gestural performance CONTRIBUTARIES invited reflection on the life-giving power of water, the essential source that sustains all beings and environments.
The work’s name, blending contribute and tributaries, speaks to the strength of coming together rather than standing alone. It’s an exploration of connection across worlds, times, and ways of knowing, inviting trust and shared creativity among all participants.
Set in the City Hall forecourt, the performance imagined a safe water passage in a future where water flows freely, echoing times past or possibilities yet to come. As the audience moved through the site, the architecture, sound, and film intertwined to bring the River and its Tributaries to life.
Photo: Pam Hutchinson
ROAM Geelong is where joy, curiosity and imagination come to life for one unmissable day, as Geelong’s cultural heart becomes a playground of art, music, theatre and connection. As day turns to night, hundreds of artists transform the city with performances, installations and exhibitions - mostly free and suitable for all ages.
ROAM Geelong promotion
Field Artist - Jennifer McElwee. Photo: Pam Hutchinson
Water Watcher - Michael Morgan. Photo: Peter Foster
City Hall projection. Photo: City of Greater Geelong
View of City Hall (centre). Photo: Geoff Hutchinson
Acolytes in performance (centre - River Acolyte Ingrid Petterson). Photo: Peter Foster
City Hall projection. Photo: City of Greater Geelong
Jennifer McElwee in performance (Tributaries). Photo: Peter Foster
Marita Batna in performance (Tributaries). Photo: Peter Foster
Water Nymph - Lilah Solomon. Photo: Peter Foster
Acolyte - Janelle Solomon. Photo: Chloe O'Donnell
Artists and Characters
River Acolyte: Ingrid Petterson (performance, performance design)
Field Artist: Jennifer McElwee (performance, workshop design)
Water Watcher: Michael Morgan (performance, video projection)
Weather Reporter: Marita Batna (performance, curatorial lead)
Ignition: Jessica Laraine Williams (choreography contribution, conceptual)
Acolytes: performers Jessica Connor Kennedy, Andy Davies, Jane Williams, Janelle Solomon, Janine Dridan
Water Nymph: performer Lilah Solomon
Sound: James X Caution
Thank you to Tributaries’ helpers and Contributaries guardians: Stephen McElwee, Meredith Hadden, Moira Bowman, Cathy Harvey, Angela Miles, Terry Guida, Ray Luke, Eddie Suberts, Steve Juhaz.