Mark Coles Smith Mark Coles Smith i(A80548 works by)
Also writes as: Kalaji
Gender: Male
Heritage: Aboriginal ; Aboriginal Nyikina
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2 1 y separately published work icon Tracks of the Missing Carl Merrison , Hakea Hustler , ( nar. Mark Coles Smith ) Melbourne : ABC Audio , 2024 24417693 2022 single work novel young adult children's

'Deklan ‘Dek’ Archer and his mates arrive at school to a tense atmosphere. ‘Old Mate’, Mr Henry, who has lived in town for a long time, has been found murdered. He had been selling grog on the black market for years. To add to these worries, the Year 12s, who were on camp, are now missing. The police think there is a link between the missing students and the murder.

'Dek and his friends are torn. Dek and Willum, his best mate, have an important football match that evening – professional recruiters are in town. Neither wants to let their coach down but they feel they must search for their friends.

'Deklan’s grandfather, a renowned tracker with certain otherworld gifts turns up, and expects him to go bush. This choice will change Dek’s life and family forever.  
A journey that moves deep in to an ancient landscape uncovers secrets, and the past, which is never far away, continues to call them. 

'Both are tracking the truth but something is watching and hunting them.'  (Publication summary)
1 1 Night River Kalaji (composer), 2019 single work musical theatre

'Enter the dreamlike terrain of Night River as it travels across the natural world and river systems of the Kimberley and into the ancestral mythology tied to the Mardoowarra (Fitzroy River). A writer, producer and sound designer, Kalaji reinterprets a connection to country through an evocative blend of electronic soundscapes and moving imagery that combine to produce a mesmerising sensory experience.

'Kalaji is the Nyikina word for ‘whirlwind’, originating from the Mardoowarra River of far north Western Australia. Kalaji is also the musical alias for in-demand screen and theatre actor Mark Coles Smith. In between winning a Helpmann Award for his role in Leah Purcell’s adaptation of The Drover’s Wife, and receiving AACTA nominations for his film roles in Last Cab to Darwin and Pawno, Mark has also appeared in numerous US television series. His music credits include the score for Ilbijerri Theatre’s recent production Which Way Home along with various short film and album credits.

'Night River is his first major experimental work under the alias Kalaji and a must-see immersive multimedia performance.'  (Production summary)
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