A one-man verbatim theatre piece about the lived experiences of Stolen Generations survivors and the ongoing effects experienced by Indigenous Australians, following critically-acclaimed seasons, She Said Theatre presents HART throughout Regional Victoria and Adelaide with the support of Regional Arts Victoria.
Throughout Australia’s history, an unknown number of Indigenous children have been forcibly removed from their families. Parents were driven mad, grandparents heartbroken, siblings torn apart, language lost, and culture stripped away. Using testimonials from the Stolen Generations, Noongar man Ian Michael invites you to listen in on the silenced stories of this country.
“As a young Indigenous person and performer, it’s vital to be able to tell the stories and the truth from my people. Especially stories of survival and resilience,” says performer Ian Michael.
Director Penny Harpham shares Michael’s passion for the project, explaining, “Making HART has been a way for us to educate each other, to keep informed, and to create a considered and highly personal shared experience. She Said, is committed to creating a space for all voices – not just the dominant or the popular – to be heard.”
First performed to a sold out season at the 2015 Melbourne Fringe Festival, HART went on to win the Best Emerging Indigenous Artist Award for performer/co-writer Ian Michael, and two Tour Ready Awards to New Zealand and Adelaide Fringe – winning the Best Emerging Artist Award. In 2016 the show has toured to Auckland, Wellington, Adelaide and Perth, receiving critical acclaim and awards Australia and New Zealand-wide.
“A brave and quietly devastating performance… Moving theatre that handles some emotionally harrowing material with dignity and grace.” – The Age
Director: Penny Harpham Performer & Co-writer: Ian Michael Co-writer: Seanna van Helten Composition & Sound Design: Raya Slavin Lighting Design & Technical Management: Shannah McDonald Set & Costume Designer: Chloe Greaves AV Designer: Michael Carmody Production & Tour Management: Anna Kennedy
HART will be presented at the following venues: Ararat Performing Arts Centre (17 March); DreamBig Festival, Adelaide (22 – 23 May); HotHouse Theatre, Wodonga (27 May – 3 June); Stratford Courthouse (14 June); The Engine Room, Bendigo (16 June); and Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine (17 June). For more information, visit: www.rav.net.au or www.shesaidtheatre.com for details.
Image: Ian Michael in HART – photo by Gabi Briggs