Coranderrk

Coranderrk is based upon the true story of one communities fight for land against the Aboriginal Protection Board.

Verbatim theatre, it draws on historical records from an 1881 Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry, where the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve took on the Aboriginal Protection Board, fighting for their right to be allowed to stay on in their community. The enquiry is recreated on stage and it revives the voices of all those involved, both black and white.

Indigenous woman Eva Grace Mullaley directs this latest production and says she was was not aware of the history of Coranderrk prior to her involvement. She had to do her own research and learnt about the people involved and the story.

“Australia has a very misinformed view of history and it doesn’t incorporate many of the atrocities and injustices suffered by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations,” she says, “The story of what happened at Coranderrk is one of those that needs to be told often and everywhere so the average Australian audience can learn the true history of how resilient and strong the first nation people of this country are.”

It features an all-indigenous cast, including Trevor Jamison as William Barak, an indigenous leader of the delegation that would walk 18 hours to parliament house with a petition in hand.

This production is set to be inspiring.

Jun 28, two shows only – Wed 11am and 7.30pm. Riverside Theatre, Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta. $38-$52. Tickets & Info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au

By Vanessa Powell