AustLit

'At a crossroads in my life, an audition put me on a new path. While it hasn’t been easy navigating an industry that has so many race and class barriers, the performing arts have helped me find joy and connection, learn about our varied cultures and tell Blak stories with integrity.' (Introduction)

'Hannah Gadsby’s memoir Ten Steps to Nanette covers her life from her childhood up to Nanette, the Netflix stand-up that shot her to global fame. However, she says very clearly she doesn’t want this book to be seen as “rags to riches inspiration porn”.' 

'True Tracks by Wuthathi/Meriam solicitor Dr Terri Janke is a comprehensive guide to Indigenous cultural intellectual property (ICIP) across various fields, including – but not limited to – visual art, performance art and cultural practices. This is a comprehensive read, ideal for non-Indigenous people pursuing cross-cultural partnerships with Indigenous people. But most importantly, it gives First Nations readers the tools to understand their legal rights around cultural property.' (Publication summary)

'The history chapter could have been better organised. Because these sectioned topics were oddly placed, it interfered with the flow of this chapter. In addition to the creation of the play, Thurow includes the equally important role that Big hART played with members of the Arrernte community, through Pitjantjatjara language maintenance and creating employment and skill development opportunities for marginalised communities across the APY lands. Thurow explores the problematic association of 'authenticity' with outdated images and assumptions of what Indigenous stories should look like, but at the same time she is contributing to this by using an outdated an inaccurate term 'traditional' when referring to the cultural practices of Indigenous people.' (Publication abstract)

Author's note: For Monterey Cypress / Origin: Mexico, South America