We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders, Ancestors and leaders of the Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is based.
We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, recognising their resilience and ongoing connection to land, water and culture, despite ongoing colonial interruption and genocide.
Always was, always will be, sacred Indigenous land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be advised that this website may contain images of deceased persons.
Coranderrk: We will show the Country
For the first time, we bring back to life Coranderrk’s voices – both black and white
“With lessons to be learnt at so many levels – historical, social, language and geographical – this play should be compulsory reading in high schools across Australia.” - Australian Stage
VICTORIA, 1881: the men and women of the ‘Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve’ take on the Board for the Protection of Aborigines in a fight for justice, dignity and self-determination. For the first time, we bring back to life Coranderrk’s voices – both black and white – through a theatrical re-enactment of their official testimonies before the 1881 Government Inquiry into Coranderrk.
CORANDERRK: We Will Show the Country unites the power of oral history and the authority of the written-word to forge a personal connection with the voices of the past; allowing key figures such as William Barak and several of the men and women of Coranderrk to speak directly to a contemporary audience.
Not a story of “black vs white”, CORANDERRK pays tribute to the resilience and adaptability of a people who rose to the challenge despite all odds, appropriating the power of the written word and white political discourse to make their voice loud and clear; whilst also celebrating the spirit of friendship, and the power of genuine collaboration, between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
ILBIJERRI acknowledges the support of the Australian Research Council and the Minutes of Evidence Project (LP110200054).
MORE INFO: ILBIJERRI Theatre Company [email protected]
Reviews
"The story is painful and hopeful... one of the most moving moments of theatre this year" - Anne-Marie Peard, Aussie Theatre [Read More]
"Make sure you see it – and take the program home to read again later; a visit to Healesville will never be the same again" - Jane Canaway, Australian Stage [Read More]
'Dark tale of mission accomplished', The Age, 2012 [Read More]
Production History
11 to 12 February 2012 - Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival, BMW Edge, Federation Square
16 to 27 November 2011 - La Mama Courthouse Theatre, Melbourne
7 May 2011 - Sanctuary House, Healesville
6 May 2011 - Melba Hall, University of Melbourne
13 to 15 August 2010 - La Mama Courthouse
Creative Team
Performers Syd Brisbane, Jim Daly, Peter Finlay, Greg Fryer, Liz Jones, Tom Long, Kelton Pell, Melodie Reynolds & Jason Tamiru Concept Giordano Nanni Director Isaac Drandic Dramaturge Rachael Maza Adaption Andrea James & Giordano Nanni Set Designer Darryl Cordell Costume Designer Emily Barrie Audio Visual Designer Peter Worland Sound Designer Ben Grant Technical Director & Lighting Designer Bluebottle/Frog Peck Stage Manager Jessica Smithett
