A theatre production by Ngapartji Ngapartji (who run the interesting online Pitjantjatjara course I posted about in 2006) is having a sell-out run at the Belvoir St Theatre in Sydney, with amazing reviews (links here) (e.g. The most important Australian work to inhabit our theatres for a long time. AussieTheatre.com).
(Information: Belvoir St Theatre on (02) 9699 3444 or www.belvoir.com.au | www.sydneyfestival.org.au)
[Update 4/2/08 – this has led to more publicity for the plight of Indigenous languages, e.g. here on the ABC]
They are also having a public forum on Australian Indigenous languages Can you say ‘how do you do’ at Uluru? together with Big hART.
WHEN: 6-7pm, Wednesday January 30th 2008
WHERE: Belvoir Street Theatre. Belvoir St, Surry Hills, Sydney
HOSTED BY: Prof. Larissa Behrendt – Research Director, Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS
SPEAKERS:
Makinti Minutjukur, Pukatja Community Liaison
Kevin Lowe Inspector, Aboriginal Education, NSW Board of Studies
Daryn Mckenny, General Manager, Arwarbukarl Cultural Resource Assn
Jody Bruan Director General, NSW Department of Aboriginal Australia
Alex Kelly Creative Producer, Ngapartji Ngapartji
Here’s the introduction:
Before European arrival Australia was home to over 250 distinct languages. Tragically, in the last 218 years Australia has suffered the largest and most rapid loss of languages known worldwide.
NSW is currently the only state in Australia that has developed a comprehensive state-wide Indigenous languages policy.
Join academics, community language workers and politicians as they discuss the urgent need to protect and maintain Australia’s languages. Supporting languages is an intrinsic part of protecting and valuing Indigenous cultures. It can provide the key to unlocking Indigenous disadvantage.
For more information please contact
Alex Kelly Creative Producer, Ngapartji Ngapartji
M: 0422 777 590
E: alex AT ngapartji.org
Follow