Cirrus@Austlit

'Children and adults will be introduced to authentic stories, passed down in Indigenous communities for hundreds of years. Developed in consultation with five different Aboriginal communities around the country, "I, Bunyip "is a rare chance to meet very real characters from Australia's oldest stories with one of the country's most exciting performing arts companies.

Playfully named after the classic 1935 novel, I, Claudius by Robert Graves, the show seeks to record, explore and relate the stories of Indigenous groups that have never before been shared. "We are telling stories that aren't imagined outside of Indigenous communities. For most people, these stories are utterly unknown." commented Erth's Artistic Director, Scott Wright. "Many people have always read European fables and fairytales to their kids.

Of the Indigenous creatures that are familiar, there is a great misconception that these are mythological creatures, and so they are perceived in the same way as werewolves, fairies or trolls," he said. "The truth is, these characters are very genuine and present in our history and it is important for today's children - and indeed Australians of all ages - to discover these incredible, authentic stories.

Even today, the creatures that feature in "I, Bunyip" are feared and revered in Aboriginal communities. "These stories are part of people's lives, the fabric of their communities and identity. We are privileged to have learnt and been given permission to share these special stories, so it's exciting and gratifying to be able to present the show to Sydney kids" he said. Source: http://sydneychildrensfestival.com/ (Sighted 26/09/2011).