Charmene Yap and Cass Mortimer Eipper have been appointed Co-Artistic Directors of Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia, taking up the company’s artistic leadership from January 2027.
The pair will relocate with their family to Boorloo/Perth, marking a return to Western Australia for two artists whose early careers were shaped in the state before their respective careers developed across Australia and internationally.
They succeed Co3’s inaugural Artistic Director, Raewyn Hill, who has led the company for 12 years and will remain in the role until December 2026.
Under the new co-artistic leadership model, Yap and Mortimer Eipper will share responsibility for Co3’s artistic vision, ensemble practice, programming and commissioning. They are also expected to co-choreograph major ensemble works, while bringing distinct areas of experience to the company’s development.
Yap is a graduate of WAAPA and has worked extensively as a performer, choreographer, rehearsal director and movement director. A long-time Sydney Dance Company artist and former Rehearsal Associate, her performing career has also included work with Chunky Move, Lucy Guerin Inc, Dancenorth and Tasdance. Her work has been recognised with two Helpmann Awards and an Australian Dance Award.
Mortimer Eipper began his professional performing career with West Australian Ballet, where he also received some of his earliest choreographic opportunities. His choreography has since been presented by companies including Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australian Dance Theatre, Australasian Dance Collective, West Australian Ballet and Queensland Ballet, with international commissions for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal and Milwaukee Ballet.
The two already share an established creative practice. Their large-scale dance-theatre work Grey Rhino was presented at Sydney Festival in 2022.
“This isn’t simply a move west for us. Western Australia shaped us both as artists, so the opportunity to return and lead Co3 together means a great deal,” Yap and Mortimer Eipper said.
“We’re excited to reconnect with the dance community, work alongside dancers and artists across the state, and to build on this company’s foundations with care.”
Hill welcomed the appointment, describing the pair as “two exceptional artists” whose creative partnership is founded in collaboration and shared vision.
Following the conclusion of her Artistic Directorship, Hill will remain connected to Co3 as Creative Fellow in 2027, when she will premiere a new work with the company.