Village Spirit Productions

Village Spirit Productions is the Independent Theatre & Film Company formed by two Inner West locals Kerry Kaemper and Kel Vance in 2016.  Teaming up together was a logical idea when the two friends discovered their mutual love of storytelling and passion for using stories to make a social impact in the world. Their first project was the 2016 production of “The Shoebox” written and directed by Kel.  The play's exploration of the issues of gender identity, aging, war and the ever elusive and evolving secret to being happy, struck a deep cord with audiences, something that both principals hope will continue for future productions. Their next project in 2017 was the short play "#NotAllMen". This play tapped into and explored the ongoing climate of rape culture and the pervasive arguments and excuses stemming from patriarchy that are used by institutions and individuals to justify unacceptable and criminal behaviour. While some believed that both the title and content were somewhat controversial, its aim was to shine a light on the wildly different ways we experience the world based on our perceived gender and that the realisation and acknowledgement of this could enable all of us to connect in a more meaningful way.  

In 2018, Kel's play "The Eulogy" was produced by Kerry and directed by Brendan Paul for Short + Sweet Theatre Festival in Sydney after making it's debut in 2017 at the Short +Sweet Hollywood Theatre Festival. In Sydney the play won first place for both Audience and Judges choice for its week, sending it directly to the Gala Finals where Lola Bond, playing Tessa, complimented by the talents of her co-star Archit Mahajan as Sam, won runner up Best Actress. The play explored the idea of the possible friendship between a young teenage boy and girl and the lost chances that occur when our expectations and presumptions are gendered.

Due to COVID 19 - slated productions have been postponed in both 2020 and 2021 - fingers crossed for 2022 - stayed tuned!