Cirrus@Austlit

'A songline for 21st century Australia – a fresh look at the Cook legend from a First Nations’ perspective – the songline tells of connection to country, resistance and survival and features the cheeky, acerbic and heartfelt showman – Steven Oliver and a host of outstanding Indigenous singer/songwriters.'

Source: Screen Australia.

'Comedy and television sensation Steven Oliver is black royalty (yes, he’s a big black queen, and still single if you must know). 

'From ABC’s hit series Black Comedy, Oliver is well known for being ‘faboriginal’. But what might come as a surprise is his thoughtful, original songs. Join Oliver on his own journey of self-discovery with candid stories about family, modern love and choosing to be a recluse after a taste of fame. With musical direction by Helpmann Award winner Michael Griffiths.'   (Production summary)

'It’s the anniversary of Vinnie’s death. His brother, 17-year old Preston is being visited by spirits— seemingly tormenting him while he sleeps. His sister, Akira buries her pain in her phone. Their father, Eric, is in denial and their mother, Abigail, is numbing her pain with drink, while Nan is coping with it all by talking… a lot.

'There’s no denying that Preston’s on the cusp of something otherworldly. The family’s disconnect from each other and the world has gone on long enough. It’s time to purge the past to embrace the present, if they’re to have a future, and an encounter with spirits might just be the catalyst they all need.'

Source: La Boite Theatre.

'A middle class nuclear Indigenous family, complete with Elder, live an unremarkable life in the Australian suburbs — apart from the occasional visit from spirits, the Birilungs. Unable to communicate with them, the only thing the family knows is that the Birilungs are now visiting 17-year-old Preston. When he finally reveals the spirits’ plans, the family must grapple with a new kind of future.'

Source: National Playwrighting Festival program.

'In each centre the show will be performed in the school/community giving the young people an opportunity to see positive Indigenous family life on stage. The artists will then remain in the school/community for 3-4 days where they will work with the young people to write, rehearse and perform their own aspirational stories of success back to their community. The project is integrated into the curriculum by DET, forming part of the assessment for students. This is a project that has the potential to change young lives in regional and remote Queensland, promote positive role models to remote Indigenous students, to promote positive stories of Indigenous lives and to place skills development and performance making at the centre of learning.' (Production summary)

'The six-episode series Black Comedy, written by and starring indigenous performers, is the first comedy by the ABC's Indigenous Department. Since its launch in 2010, the department has primarily produced critically acclaimed drama including Redfern Now, The Gods of Wheat Street and telemovie Mabo. 'The series combines a mix of obsercational physical shetches, historical sketches and parodies of TV, film and commericials.' (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald online; Koori Mail issue, 587, 2014:4)

'Based on a collection of personal stories, experiences, and reflections, Black Queen Black King explores the lives of four young Indigenous men through song, dance and storytelling. The life experiences, of these very different and complex individuals culminates in a celebration of strength, pride and cultural identity.' Source: http://www.atsis.uq.edu.au/birranews/index.html?page=44689 (Sighted 14/03/2006)