NAIDOC Week round-up

An AustralianPlays.org spotlight

In recognition of NAIDOC Week, here's a selection of Indigenous theatre and performance from around the country...

At the Malthouse in Melbourne you can catch Briwyant, "a work of choreographic dexterity and interdisciplinary innovation that brings to the stage an experience both ageless and fleeting; a moment of connection." It's directed and choreographed by Vicki Van Hout, who's formerly with Bangarra Dance Theatre.

Speaking of which...Bangarra's Terrain is touring nationally, and is now in Melbourne (with Sydney to follow from 18 July).

Also in Melbourne, Ilbijerri Theatre Company is showcasing new work from its Black Writers Lab development program this week. That's for industry only, but something to look forward to later in the year is Ilbijerri's collaboration with Belvoir and Version 1.0, Beautiful One Day.

Beautiful One Day is a 'theatrical documentary' exploring the 2004 death of Mulrunji Doomadgee in a police cell on Palm Island and, if this blurb on Belvoir's website is any indication, will be one not to miss.

In Perth, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company is keeping busy, with two shows this week. There's Black As Michael Jackson… And Other Identity Monologues, "a raw, emotional and at times irreverent look at race and what it’s like to actually want to be proud of identifying as Aboriginal." Written by Michelle White and Karla Hart, drawing on their personal experiences, the work is performed by Hart and Della Rae Morrison.

Then there's Yirra Yarns, showcasing poetry, improvisation comedy and storytelling. That opens tomorrow night and runs until 7 July and is directed by Kyle Morrison.

In Sydney, Coranderrk: We Will Show the Country has just finished at the Sydney Opera House, but there's a whole heap of other events on celebrating NAIDOC week—including talks, exhibitions and film screenings. Have a look here for more info.

In Queensland, Head Full of Love opens on 7 July.

Written by Alana Valentine and directed by QTC's Wesley Enoch, this is a play inspired by the annual Alice Springs Beanie Festival. It's the story of two women from different circumstances who bond over 'a bundle of yarn.' It stars Roxanne McDonald and Colette Mann.

In Hobart you can catch Luwana Dream this week, a new theatre work created by seven young Tasmanian Aboriginal women.

Have we missed anything? Click here to tell us about a production.

Meanwhile, head to our showcase (below) to find out more about the rich and diverse world of contemporary Indigenous playwriting: