St Joseph’s College is renowned for pushing the boundaries of education through the performing arts, and our next endeavour, Burramatta Songlines, is no exception. Scheduled to grace the stage of the Drama Theatre from 27 to 29 May 2024, this multi-modal performing arts project is a celebration of Indigenous culture and storytelling, intertwined with the College’s dedication to reconciliation and cultural awareness.
Head of Music, Mr Paul Howe working together with Head of Drama, Mr Pat O’Shea, championed a shift from the traditional biennial musical to an approach that showcases the capabilities of Indigenous students. The project, developed in collaboration with Bangarra Dance Theatre, reveals the College’s commitment to embedding Indigenous perspectives within our Marist education framework.
The three-night event is set against the backdrop of the Burramatta (Parramatta) River, using the river as a metaphorical throughline, drawing parallels with the “Water from the Rock” spirituality and teachings of St Marcellin, and the Indigenous connection of water and Country.
The creative process is steeped in research, a methodology that has proven successful in previous Joeys productions including “Regatta” and “Ultus”. “As part of our research-based theatre model, Songlines is really the third iteration of this … the boys are going to tell the story of tenor Harold Blair, who was the first Aboriginal opera singer,” relates Mr O’Shea. Harold Blair performed in the first opera staged in the Sydney Opera House in 1973 and was also the first Aboriginal person to sing on national radio back in 1945.
Burramatta Songlines will be more than a performance as it embraces cultural perspectives and inclusion. With guidance from Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Youth Programs educator, Ms Shane Carroll, and cultural consultation with Joeys parents Stan Grant and Kylie Tarleton, the event promises to be “a real community piece of multi-modal storytelling, encompassing music, dance, research-based theatre, poetry and guest speakers, involving boys from Years 7 to 12 as well as female students from other schools,” says Mr Howe.
“The collaboration of Year 9 and Year 11 drama and music students transforms this into a unique project that resonates with the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan and the spirit of cultural safety,” says Mr O’Shea.
The event also serves as an eye-opener for Indigenous boys, presenting the arts as a viable career path. With experiences such as attending Bangarra Dance performances and engaging with cultural elders, students are given the opportunity to explore and express their identity and heritage. “We have Aboriginal boys telling a story of country, on this country, but about their country as well … we have seen a mutual learning about the care and respect and authenticity that this project is presenting to us,” says Mr O’Shea.
The staging itself will be innovative, with the Drama Studio converted into a traverse theatre, allowing for an immersive audience experience. Darnell MG, a Year 11 student involved with the Sydney Theatre Company and the Australian Theatre for Young People, will contribute to this powerful narrative by presenting a piece that speaks to truth-telling.
Burramatta Songlines culminates in the Reconciliation Week Assembly on 30 May, promising to be a highlight of the College’s cultural calendar.
Don’t miss this transformative event that is set to become an exciting part of the St Joseph’s College performing arts program. Your presence is invited as an audience member and also as a participant in a journey of learning, respect and reconciliation. We look forward to welcoming you to Burramatta Songlines.
Event Details:
Dates: 27–29 May 2024
Location: Drama Theatre, St Joseph’s College
Yarn Panel: Wesley Enoch, Stan Grant, Nerida Blair, William Barton, Kylie Tarleton and Old Boys
Limited tickets are available each evening – to book your tickets, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/2024-joeys-burramatta-songlines
