About

Chalk Fades is a space for trying stuff out really—a cocoon of creative transformation as Villa steps into a new evolution as a creator. This performance offers a glimpse into a collection of discoveries unearthed during Villa's residency at Te Oro, where he's been testing ideas, breaking things apart, and figuring out what sticks.

This work emerges from a process of play—drawing from the embodied knowledge he has accumulated over years of creative collaboration and now exploring through his own practice. It's about shedding old ways of moving, sitting with discomfort, and seeing what happens when he lets go in his attempt to evolve.

The work blends street dance, contemporary movement, and theatre, with Villa mixing freestyle, structured improvisation, and choreography that's still finding its form. Music he's been experimenting with is also woven into the piece, shaping the energy and rhythm of the space.
Here, in the tension between challenge and vulnerability, he searches for something new. A place for risk. A place for transformation. A place for play.

It's a process in motion—a snapshot of where Villa is at right now. The chalk is fading, but something new is starting

Villa Lemanu

Villa Junior Lemanu is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist working across dance, theatre, film, and other artistic mediums. His work reimagines the overlooked moments of everyday life, highlighting the beauty in the mundane through a contemporary lens. Rooted in a deep love for storytelling, his work often plays with memories and connection, crafting experiences that resonate beyond the stage.

Having performed and collaborated both nationally and internationally, he continues to push his creative boundaries, immersing himself in new artistic practices, disciplines, and collaborations—dedicated to honing his craft and evolving as a thoughtful artisan.

Photo Credit:
Creative Director: Leon Bristow
Photography: Frances Carter