Khalif Diouf is a dancer and rap artist from Manhattan who goes by the name Le1f. Waangenga Blanco is a dancer, choreographer, and descendant of the Mer Island people and Pajinka Wik, both indigenous Australian groups. The two artists teamed up to make Via Alice: A Cross-Cultural Cinematic VR Experience, debuting at Carriageworks in Sydney as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Weekender from August 31st to September 3rd.
Via Alice takes the viewer through the Australian desert, giving them perspective on the people who have lived there for centuries. The dance artistry of both Diouf and Blanco is featured throughout.
Via Alice includes creative direction from Pete Keen, the founder of Melbourne’s Sugar Mountain Festival, and music from John Kirby and Midnight Juggernauts founder Daniel Stricker. The experience was produced in collaboration with VR production company Virtual Guest.
The experience is free, but a $35 AUD ticket allows interested explorers attend a live dance performance as well.
