What’s doin’
Where to start? There are so many things that have changed since my last post. Let’s just cycle through everything that comes to mind in the order that trips off the synapses and across the keyboard via the fingers.
Work
I’m currently writing a follow-up stage play for children and families, based on another Victorian Aboriginal creation story. Last year’s Tiddalik show’s were a success and we’re looking to grow on from where we left off. Hopefully next January’s run of shows will be as well received as Tiddalik was.
October will see the launch of a series of cultural workshops. A lot more on this to come.
A few months ago I attended the NAWI Conference in Sydney. I’m just about to begin editing the documentary I shot based on my time there, and one what I learnt about Australia’s diverse array of Indigenous watercraft.
Art
I’ve been tapped on the shoulder to potentially illustrate a children’s book, other than that which I’m already working on. I may have to place mine on hold for a while.
Along with another two artists I’m also in the early stages of preparation for an exhibition of our works in 2013. I’ll be contributing a photographic documentary piece and traditionally carved Koorie weapons (Clubs, Shields etc).
Personal
On to the most exciting stuff – my wife and I are close to halfway in a pregnancy (to be our third child). We’ll find out the sex in a couple of weeks!
Sometime this week I’ll be going to the cinema to check out the Sapphires. I can’t wait to see this. The film is written by a cousin and is based on the story of four of older cousins (including the writer’s mother), who during the 60’s were a girl-group who sang Motown hits for the troops in Vietnam. These days they do things like run a college and a medical service.
1968 was the year that changed the world. And for four young Aboriginal sisters from a remote mission this is the year that would change their lives forever. Around the globe, there was protest and revolution in the streets. Indigenous Australians finally secured the right to vote. There were drugs and the shock of a brutal assassination. And there was Vietnam. The sisters, Cynthia, Gail, Julie and Kay are discovered by Dave, a talent scout with a kind heart, very little rhythm but a great knowledge of soul music. Billed as Australia’s answer to ‘The Supremes’, Dave secures the sisters their first true gig, and fly’s them to Vietnam to sing for the American troops. Based on a true story, THE SAPPHIRES is a triumphant celebration of youthful emotion, family and music.