Valuable lesson in carrying on tradition
THE voice of a new generation of Tasmanian Aboriginal performing artists is being heard by thousands of schoolchildren as a new Terrapin Puppet Theatre production tours the state.
Students at about 85 primary schools from Flinders Island to Bruny Island will watch celebrated Palawa playwright Nathan Maynard’s new play A Not So Traditional Story over the next 14 weeks, as the show tours the state during terms two and three.
A Not So Traditional Story follows two young ’uns, Wurangkili and Timita, who meet an alien named River and his pet wombat. Together they embark on a journey to solve a great mystery, receiving clues from an eagle, a lizard and a kangaroo they meet along the way.
The show stars Craig Irons, Denni Proctor and playwright Maynard, whose previous play The Season won three Tasmanian Theatre Awards this year.
“As a proud Palawa man, I’m excited that children around Lutrawita will see this play that tells an important part of the history and showcases our living culture,” he said.
A Not So Traditional Story was produced in association with Kickstart Arts and the Tasmanian Department of Education, who say the number of schools involved reflects a growing interest in both local storytelling and Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.
“Some 18,000 students will see a high-quality production that introduces a number of really important concepts about Tasmanian Aboriginal history and culture,” the acting manager of Aboriginal Education Services Tony Woodward said. “The play is very accessible for students, but like all morality tales it has a serious message about respecting the stories and culture of our First Nations people.”