In the neglected storehouse of Australian history, this is one of the definitive stories. At a Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry in 1881, the men and women of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve went head-to-head with the Aboriginal Protection Board.
Their goal was both simple and revolutionary: to be allowed to continue the brilliant experiment in self-determination they had pioneered for themselves on the scrap of country left to them.
Coranderrk recreates the Inquiry. This is both great theatre and great history. It revives the voices of all those, black and white, who fought for a better compact between the country’s oldest and newest inhabitants – three dozen of them from 132 years ago, speaking for themselves, directly to us, as though the question at hand remains unanswered today.
This special co-production between Belvoir and ILBIJERRI pays tribute to the resilience and adaptability of a people who rose to the challenge despite the odds, appropriating the power of the written word to make their own voices ring loud and clear.
Director: Isaac Drandic Featuring: Kate Beckett, Jack Charles, Mathew Cooper, Kelton Pell, Melodie Reynolds-Diarra, Bjorn Stewart Concept: Giordano Nanni Writers: Andrea James & Giordano Nanni Set & Costume Designers: Ruby Langton-Batty & Ralph Myers Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper Composer & Sound Designer: Ben Grant Audio Visual Designer: Peter Worland Stage Manager: Chantelle Foster Assistant Stage Manager: Grace Nye-Butler
Coranderrk
Belvoir Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills
Season: 11 December 2013 – 3 January 2014
Bookings: (02) 9699 3444 or online at: www.belvoir.com.au
For more information, visit: www.belvoir.com.au for details.
Image: Jack Charles by Patrick Boland