H-J KILKELLY

H-J Kilkelly is an award-winning Ōtepoti/Dunedin-raised producer with a passion for the development of new works from New Zealand and decolonisation through performance. Her experience is extensive, having produced shows, festivals, practitioner development platforms and workshops for companies such as Tawata Productions, Kia Mau Festival, Barbarian Productions, BATS Theatre, Playmarket, Toi Māori, Taki Rua Productions, Otago Polyfest and NZ Young Writers Festival. She is the co-director and producer for Prospect Park Productions and its platforms Ōtepoti Theatre Lab and Ōtepoti Writers Lab, which were launched as responses to critical needs within the rohe.

H-J is involved in a number of external projects centred around addressing infrastructure, strategy, advocacy and professional development for the sector, including the Ringatoi Pōneke : Artists Initiative, as co-lead for Ngā Hua Toi Ōtepoti (advocacy body for Māori theatre and dance) and as a tutor/mentor at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School.

A previous resident of Te Hau Tūtū, an independent Māori Theatre Producers’ Room based at Te Haukāinga in Wellington, H-J is now based back in Ōtepoti, producing work nationally and internationally.