Cirrus@Austlit

'Meet Flo, the unwelcome Aunty everyone complains about, but who we depend on for our very existence. 

'You would think we’d be proud of this most significant Tidda - keeper of our divine feminine power - but we hide her away and talk about her in whispers, especially later on when she stops turning up altogether. This is her story, or is it?

'A hilarious play created by mob for mob, exploring the ups and downs of the most natural stage of anyone who bleeds life -  menopause.

'The story was developed by Nazaree Dickerson for ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, and was born out of real life experiences of First Nations women.' (Production summary)

'Join four mainland-born Torres Strait Islander women as they battle against the rising tide threatening their home, culture and identity. GURR ERA OP (“the face of the sea” in Meriam Mir) is a celebratory sharing of culture and a call to action in the face of climate devastation, interweaving hybrid Torres Strait Islander contemporary storytelling, movement and spoken word.

'What would you do if you could never go home? Is your culture bound by place or by self? What happens to your identity when the physical place that holds your ancestral foundations disappears?

'These are some of the questions the storytellers grapple with daily as they watch their motherland, family and communities suffer the onslaught of climate change. The Torres Strait Islands are currently on the front lines – but ultimately, your home is next.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A rock’n’roll theatre performance celebrating the phenomenal journey and impact of Australian music icons, Warumpi Band, told from the perspective of the Butcher Brothers.

'Named after Warumpi Band’s second album, BIG NAME, NO BLANKETS this rock 'n' roll theatre performance features Warumpi hits, showcasing Luritja, Warlpiri and Gumatj / Yolngu Martha languages and culture.

'Making history as the first rock ’n ’ roll band to sing in Aboriginal languages, Warumpi Band is acclaimed for creating our Black Anthems: Jailanguru Pakurnu, My Island Home and Blackfella/Whitefella.

'Warumpi Band brought hope and strength to First Peoples and united all Australians, singing truths that echoed the realities of black and white relationships in colonised lands. They amplified black voices, stories and politics while uniting all cultures with their infectious music.

'Packed with humour, iconic songs and rock star performances, BIG NAME, NO BLANKETS is a joyful show about how music can influence massive change.'

Source: Production blurb.

'ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and Te Rēhia Theatre present a creative development showing of BLACK TIES.

'A groundbreaking collaboration and cultural exchange between two leading First Nations theatre companies, this is your opportunity for a first look at BLACK TIES before its world premiere in 2020. Emerging out of long-standing First Nations Exchange initiatives, the development of BLACK TIES began in Melbourne as part of AsiaTOPA Creative Labs in May 2018 and brings together creatives from First Nations theatre companies in Australia and New Zealand.

'When Māori corporate hotshot Hera and Aboriginal consultancy entrepreneur Bila locked eyes at a cultural awareness session, it was love at first sight. Ambitious, career focused, and driven by their need for control, Bila and Hera have their perfect future all mapped out. But there is one thing they can’t control – their families! Relatives are arriving from both sides of the ditch for the wedding, and reality is sinking in – and sinking fast. Will this international love story bring two strong cultures together? Or will it divide their families and countries, and blow Hera and Bila’s world apart?'

Source: Yirramboi Festival

'Ally lives up in the flats. Things aren’t the best right now but she has big plans. She just wants a better life for her baby.

'Ally is ready to make a life changing decision. But does she have the strength to see it through? And is her community ready to support her?

'If life wasn’t complicated enough, Ally is being filmed for an explosive new documentary. One things for sure – things are about to go viral.'   (Production summary)

'Jack, a young, ambitious Koorie is juggling the contradictions of working in both black and white worlds. How does he stay true to his cultural responsibilities whilst the justice system he works for fails to understand the pain and rage of his people?

'Conversations with the Dead is Richard Frankland’s response to being an investigator during the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1987-1991).'

Source: Arts Centre Melbourne (2019 production).