Inaugurated in 2007, the purpose of the Kit Denton Fellowship is 'to reward and promote courage and excellence in performance writing. Courage, in this context, will be defined as independence of thought, questioning of the status quo, and an attitude of mind in facing adversity with self possession, perseverance and resolution.'
'A fellowship of $25,000 will be awarded to the selected writer allowing them to further develop a current project over six to eight months to be ready to present to the market. The Fellow will be expected to produce a script or other form of developed project by the end of the 8 month period. $15,000 will be paid when the prize is awarded and the remainder on completion of the project.'
Source: Australian Writers' Guild website, http://www.awg.com.au/
Sighted: 13/06/2007
'"Ganesh Versus the Third Reich' is a serious investigation into the issues about cultural appropriation: it explores who has the authority to tell stories, and how - via symbols, rituals and the like - stories can be told.
Back to Back Theatre is a theatre company with an ensemble of actors with disabilities at its core. In presenting "Ganesh Versus the Third Reich", Back to Back is seeking, in part , to examine how individuals who are perceived to be outsiders (of all kinds), can comment and respond to, and so by extension, be more strongly integrated into a pluralistic society. Through our work, we are seeking to engender dialogue and tolerance. In our opinion, Ganesh is treated with great respect in the work. His integrity and status is never threatened. He is all powerful.
Ganesh is the hero of the work and has an embodiment of goodness and greatness. The representation of Ganesh is not ridiculed or engaged in violent action in the performance. In developing the show, Back to Back Theatre has researched how Ganesh and other deities have been represented in cinema, theatre, graphic novels and dance from the 1960s to the present.
We consider the representation of Ganesh in the work is within the parameters of the cannon that currently exists. We would like to assure members of the Hindu community that it is not our intent to portray Ganesh in a way that is disrespectful. We regret any inadvertent concern or apprehension about the play which may have arisen prior to its performance. Source: www.malthousetheatre.com.au/ (Sighted 04/10/2011).
