Cirrus@Austlit

'A story of survival against the odds. Set against the racialised backdrop of 1940s Australia, a Ngarrindjeri family must make the impossible choice to leave home and country forever.

'‘The Whisper’ is a new play by emerging Wamba Wamba/Scottish Australian playwright Brodie Murray (Melbourne Fringe and Australia Council First Nations Arts Awards recipient) and is inspired by his grandmother, Lorraine and elements of her family’s courageous journey to seek refuge on Wamba Wamba country. This work of historical fiction seeks to honour his family story and contribute to truth-telling around the stolen generations.

'A secret journey made under the cover of dark by horse and cart, one family must learn to trust each other, their rich culture, and their knowledge of the bush against a backdrop of the very real fear of Indigenous family separation. A story that is about choices, ideology and ultimately of love.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Something’s coming. Stick together to survive.

'It’s 1853 on the Murray River: Wamba Wamba Country. A dire warning lands at Wirramanda’s feet. As a band of white strangers are led by a loose-cannon Captain deep into indigenous territory, Wirramanda and young warriors Dindi and Warru must rely on their instincts and one another to survive. Meanwhile, on board the paddle steamer that pursues them, will a split in the ranks rock the colonial boat?

'Emerging playwright Brodie Murray (Wamba Wamba) draws on stories handed down from his grandfather and father to tell this historical thriller.

'This performance is a presentation of Brodie’s debut play Soul of Possum, an exploration of the contrasting relationships that settlers and Blak peoples have with Country, ecology, leadership and spirituality.'

Source: Yirramboi Festival.