Dr Muriel Hillion-Toulcanon

Muriel’s artistic journey celebrates cultural exchange and creativity, with a focus on introducing the emblematic rhythms and movements of Maloya music and dance to Australian audiences. Recognised as a UNESCO world cultural heritage, Maloya is a unique mixture of African, Indian, Chinese, and European influences, embodying a rich, diverse history. With over 15 years of experience in the performing arts, Muriel has dedicated herself to creating immersive performances that transcend cultural boundaries and promote cross-cultural awareness, safety, and understanding. Her deep expertise extends to both the musical and choreographic dimensions of Maloya, as well as other traditional Indian Ocean cultural expressions, which she draws upon to highlight the region’s rich heritage in her work. 

In 2022, she became the first to earn a doctorate in Maloya music and dance, empowering emerging artists by sharing the intricate nuances of this improvised art form. Following this achievement, Muriel now serves as a sessional lecturer at WAAPA, teaching Bachelor of Performing Arts students in Devising Physical Theatre. Her journey has been enriched by collaborations with a wide range of artists and organisations, particularly through artistic residencies across Australia, such as Dance House (VIC), Good Sheds (VIC), Midland Junction Arts Centre (WA), Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (WA). 

Muriel was selected for the Indian Ocean Territories Tour 2024 in Cocos (Keeling) and Christmas Island organised by CircuitWest Inc., where Salama, the collective she created in 2021, delivered a series of workshops in schools and concerts that engaged students and communities on these islands. Recently, she was invited to participate in the BREC (Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre) First Nations Artists Retreat facilitated by Annette Downs and organised by Fiona De Garis at Donnelly River. During the retreat, First Nations mentors from all around Australia guided participants in their individual projects and delivered workshops. Muriel presented her new project commissioned by the Fremantle Biennale 2025, titled Sanctuary Within, which is based on the sacred aspect of Maloya music and involves community and industry participation. 

In addition to her work in Maloya and performance, she is committed to truth-telling, drawing upon the profound cultural narratives of the Indian Ocean, sharing the stories and resilience of its people through her performances. She is also involved with Bandyup Women’s Prison, where she empowers women through music and dance, offering them an artistic outlet for singing, movement, and self-expression. These experiences have refined her skills as an artistic director, leading to ambitious projects like Maloya Moshpit (VIC) and Salama Odyssey (WA), which won Best Music/Musicals at Fringe Perth 2023. Currently, Muriel is working on Salama’s debut album, capturing the spirit of Indian Ocean Creole music and continuing her mission of sharing Maloya and the broader cultural heritage of the Indian Ocean with a wider audience. Her work explores identity, resilience, and emancipation, giving voice to marginalised practices, cultural performance, and heritage, promoting pride within communities and creating a bridge to industry.