Straight from the Strait single work   musical theatre  
Issue Details: First known date: 2024... 2024 Straight from the Strait
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'On 8 May 1968, a group of remarkable Torres Strait Islander workers on the vast expanse of the Mount Newman railway construction project shattered a world record as they laid down an astonishing 7km of track in a single day, an unparalleled feat that still stands unchallenged. At the heart of their extraordinary achievement is the power of song – songs that are unique to Australia, that tell a passionate and inspiring story.

'Straight from the Strait pays homage to the stories of these Torres Strait Islander men and women who ventured far from their homes in pursuit of employment on the mainland. Amid the gruelling labour, they discovered a sense of camaraderie that transcended boundaries. Their sweat and toil laid the foundation for Australia’s emergence as an industrial nation.

'This production reverberates with the power of song, a harmonious fusion of traditional Torres Strait music and contemporary melodies. Through the vibrant ancestral languages of Meriam Mir, Kala Lagaw Ya and Torres Strait Creole combined with English and the backbeat of a contemporary band, it tells a tale that pulses with passion and inspiration.

'Developed through collaboration and consultation with the Yumpla Nerkep Foundation and Torres Strait Islander artists, Elders, and communities, this project is led by a team of First Nations creatives, performers, musicians, and cultural advisors.

'We acknowledge the many Torres Strait Islander families and artists who have generously contributed to this project.'

Source: Opera Queensland.

Production Details

  • Presented by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation, in association with Brisbane Festival, at Playhouse, QPAC, Brisbane, 29-31 August 2024.

    Director: Nadine McDonald-Dowd.

    Cultural Advisors: Ruth Ghee, Tony Ghee (Eastern Islands), George Bagiri, Norah Bagiri (Western & Central Islands).

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

First known date: 2024
Language: Torres Strait Meriam Mir AIATSIS Code: Y3 TSI , Torres Strait Kala Lagaw Ya AIATSIS Code: Y1 QLD TSI , Torres Strait Creole AIATSIS Code: P2 QLD, TSI , English

Works about this Work

Straight from the Strait Review – a Joyous Musical Inspired by a Little-known Australian Story Steve Dow , 2024 single work review
— Appears in: The Guardian Australia , 30 August 2024;

— Review of Straight from the Strait Norah Bagiri , 2024 single work musical theatre

'It is an epic tale, a source of pride for its people, yet a story little known by Australia at large. On a single day in 1968, in the scorching Pilbara heat, 137 men – mostly from the Torres Strait – smashed a world record when they laid, spiked and anchored seven kilometres of railway track in 11 hours and 40 minutes.'

Straight from the Strait Review – a Joyous Musical Inspired by a Little-known Australian Story Steve Dow , 2024 single work review
— Appears in: The Guardian Australia , 30 August 2024;

— Review of Straight from the Strait Norah Bagiri , 2024 single work musical theatre

'It is an epic tale, a source of pride for its people, yet a story little known by Australia at large. On a single day in 1968, in the scorching Pilbara heat, 137 men – mostly from the Torres Strait – smashed a world record when they laid, spiked and anchored seven kilometres of railway track in 11 hours and 40 minutes.'

Last amended 30 Oct 2023 16:11:38
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