'An epic music production inspired by the story of Churaki; an Aboriginal man heralded as the Gold Coast’s first surf lifesaver.
'Churaki, a Goodjingburra man, performed the first documented act of lifesaving on the Gold Coast in 1911. This was one of many daring rescues he carried out in the early 1900's as the surf bathing craze took hold.
'A heroic story, largely unknown, The Spirit of Churaki honours a rich lineage of saltwater people, a spirit of generosity, a deep connection to country and cultural obligation.
'Starring an extraordinary line up of legendary Australian musicians under the musical direction of Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) and cultural collaborator Kyle Slabb (Banaam) with evocative visuals by renowned artist Vernon Ah Kee, this production is a musical collaboration united by the spirit of the surf.
'Presented as a full night of entertainment, The Spirit of Chuarki rides the perfect wave between traditional ceremony, the ancient sounds of Aboriginal language and compelling music theatre, closing with a cyclonic set by Australian surf rock legends, The Break.'
Source: Festival 2018.
Additional Awards:
Nominations:
Best Musical Direction (Brian Ritchie), Helpmann Awards, 2018.
Produced as part of Festival 2018, a twelve-day festival on the Gold Coast, coinciding with and celebrating the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
On performance only: Thursday 12 April 2018, from 7-11pm, on the festival's main stage, Surfers Paradise.
Lead Artistic Collaborator and Cultural Advisor: Kyle Slabb.
Musical Director: Brian Ritchie.
Writer and Researcher: Tim Baker.
Visual Artist and Production Design: Vernon Ah Kee.
Dramaturg and Rehearsal Director: Rhoda Roberts AO.
Costume Design: Libby McDonnell.
Lighting Design: Dan Black.
Sound Design: Lawrence English.
Core Musicians: Fred Leone (didgeridoo, ukulele, vocals), Veronique Serret (strings), Sam Pankhurst (bass), Greg Sheehan (percussion), and Leah Flanagan (vocals).
Musicians: Kyle Slabb, Josh Slabb, Kaleb Slabb , Jurrulah Slabb, and Colin Usher.
Guest Musicians: The Break featuring Rob Hirst, Jim Moginie, Martin Rotsey (Midnight Oil), Jack Howard (Hunters & Collectors), and Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes).
Photography and Film: Claudio Kirac.
'Heralded as the Gold Coast's first surf lifesaver, Coodjingburra man Churaki has inspired the creation of a musical theatre production, the Spirit of Churaki. '
'Heralded as the Gold Coast's first surf lifesaver, Coodjingburra man Churaki has inspired the creation of a musical theatre production, the Spirit of Churaki. '
