'The Honouring is a provocative new solo work from physical performer and actor Jack Sheppard (Kurtjar people, Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York).
'At YIRRAMBOI Festival in 2017, Jack created the powerful ensemble piece Wild Australia, re-enacting events from 1892, when his own family members were among many ‘wild natives’ who were taken and made to perform cultural dances in a travelling show.
'Jack’s meditations on the nature of culture, ritual and performance are reflected in The Honouring. Addressing suicide and trauma within First Nations communities, the work poses a deeply taboo question: when suicide is played out almost every day, does it then become a practice of ritual that has become weaved into our cultural identity? Through movement, dialogue, text and puppetry, The Honouring explores the transitions that the spirits take after suicide, and pays homage to their souls. Jack maps the journey of grief and acceptance that those left behind must travel.
'This is an unmissable world premiere event from a powerful new voice in emerging theatre.' (Production summary)
