SYDNEY FRINGE: MUTINY MUSIC
It’s hard to imagine a life so remote: the volcanic Pitcairn Island (the least inhabited jurisdiction in the world) and the ex-penal, pine-tree flush Norfolk Island. From their sandy, mutinous soils grew a completely unique form of creativity and musicality, a blend of Mutineer hymns and the influences of their Polynesian wives. Rick Robertson is a direct descendent of an original mutineer and also a saxophonist for band Baecastuff, and tells us more about his show bringing a slice of Pitcairn to Sydney.
What is unique about Pitcairn and Norfolk Island music? The music that we are using as the basis for the show was written on Pitcairn Island by the children of the Bounty Mutineers around 1820 in almost complete isolation from the rest of the world.
How did the Mutiny Music project come about? The music was composed by my ancestors and I’ve been working on a modern interpretation of it for a few years. The original music and language is the catalyst and I’m reintroducing the Polynesian aspect, which had been lost, and introducing some modern elements with Baecastuff.
What kind of archival material will be on display on the night? I have archival photographs from the Norfolk Island Museum which will be projected and language samples which I have written new tunes around.
What’s one thought or feeling you hope audiences will take away with them? That the music of the Pitcairn/Norfolk Islanders is as colourful as their history.
Sept 29, Notes Live, 74 Enmore Rd, Newtown, $35-40, 9020 6980, thesydneyfringe.com.au
