“Together we care for knowledge, share it and make it available for the next generation”,
Stephen Page
The spirit that nurtures all living things is being invoked with the opening of the Brisbane Festival tonight. The Baleen Moondjan event opens at the Landing at Queens Wharf on the Brisbane River.
Baleen Moondjan uses dramatic storytelling and choreography against the background of manufactured whale bones to represent the resilience of the Nunukul and Munaldjali peoples of South East Queensland.
In this story, Stephen Page honours his mother and her wish that the stories and responsibilities of First Nations people be passed on to subsequent generations. And he brings the story home to its mob. It is the story of land, sky and water.
Louise Bezzina, Director of the Brisbane Festival, said “ Baleen Moondjan is the major spectacle of the Festival. It’s an extraordinary story, and we are honoured and privileged to be part of the festival.”
“The festival helps to shape Brisbane leading up to 2032, bringing home amazing talent. The venue is purpose-built,” she said.
Stephen Page, still cool at 60, said, “The event speaks directly to the songline of the Brisbane River, Meanjin. It celebrates First Nations’ kinship with all living things, that have their own connection and purpose”.
“Jacob Nash designed the whale bones in collaboration with a set maker. They are really a piece of public art, constructed from steel inside, with the texture of porcelain. The bones are a metaphor for the spirit of the Nunukul people.”
And “it involves First Nations artists: Elaine Crombie, Zipporah Anu, and ex Bangarra dancers”, he said.
There are only four shows, with the last on Sunday. It starts tonight about 7pm, depending on the tide.
$60 for adults, $40 for concessions and $40 for MobTix.
Book at:
https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/events/baleen-moondjan
Image: Reuben Nutt, Photographer
Kerry McGovern
