AustLit logo
image of person or book cover 1960481784540181406.jpg
This image has been sourced from online.
Fish single work   drama  
Issue Details: First known date: 1997... 1997 Fish
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'Fish continues the story of the earth and the power of the elements, that began with Ochres, taking the journey to the vast bodies of water. As disparate, as diverse, as Aboriginal identity itself, Fish celebrates the seas, the rivers, the swamps, and the wealth of life and mystery they contain.'

'Swamp

The swamps and the mangroves are still waters, deep, murky and mystical, a site of great sacredness and spirituality. Drawing on stories and traditions from Dhalimbouy, Swamp imagines the great swathes of life in the silent depths, fish as unborn souls – fearful of pain, ready for birth, awaiting their moment in the sun.'

'Traps

Traps juxtaposes Western ways with the ancient, challenging the notion of hooking and gutting with the slow lure and catch of old. Inspired by the craft and the intricate workmanship of the grand fishing traps from Ramingining, this most contemporary of ballets traces the fishing cycle – the drawing of fish from the water, to the restoration of remains to the earth. Stark consequences flow from disruption to such a cycle, to tradition born in the time of the Dreaming. Without the ritual of return the soul is lost in time and place, grasping after stolen memories, no way of getting home.'

'Reef

Inspired by the Torres Strait, the vibrant blues, the rich purples, the deep dramatic greens of Reef evoke the clash and contrast of culture and colour found at the water’s edge. The salt in the air and the strength in the waves, the breath of the wind and the beat of the earth merge into one majestic whole. The exhilaration and energy of life and love are blended in a rich simplicity, as Australia’s two Indigenous people celebrate the windswept tenderness of the reef.'

Production Details

  • First performed 17-27 September 1997 at The Queensland Performing Arts Trust, Suncorp Theatre

    Toured internationally 1997 Scotland.

    Toured nationally 1998 New south Wales - Enmore and Parramatta. Victoria - Melbourne, Geelong, Warragul. Queensland - Brisbane. South Australia - Adelaide. Canberra.

    Choreography: Stephen Page

    Music: David Page

    Cultural Design: Djakapurra Munyarryun

    Set Design: Peter England

    Costume Design: Jennifer Irwin

    Lighting Design: Mark Howett

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Last amended 6 Sep 2017 13:52:13
X