Sydney-siders are about to be treated to a three-week festival that celebrates Aboriginal culture within an urban, commercial environment.

From May 13 ­ June 2, 2002 the Sydney Opera House will present 'Message Sticks', a program of indigenous visual arts, film, music, dance and discussion. The festival has been developed in close collaboration with indigenous curators and represents Sydney Opera House's ongoing commitment to reconciliation with Australia's Aborigines.

On May 13, the festival opens with the Eorascapes: Aboriginal Sydney exhibition. Two Sydney based Aboriginal artists, Esme Timbery (Gadigal) and Adam Hill (Daingatti), will come together to explore notions about the Sydney cityscape. Their work will highlight two major aspects of urban Aboriginality; contexturalisation of the centre and the reality of an Aboriginal consciousness.

Timbery, a descendant of a family of shell workers, will reflect upon Aboriginal Sydney by depicting Australian icons - Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Centre Tower - through shell craft. Adam Hill's acrylic paintings will deliver his perceptions of spirituality within Sydney's urban environment and present an Aboriginal understanding of the hidden layers of meaning beneath the city surface.

This indigenous study of Australia's capital continues the following day with art exhibitions; Exposed!

City commuters will be Exposed! to the face of urban Aboriginality presented in the JCDecaux City Lights along Alfred Street at Circular Quay. These feature the work of indigenous artists using photo and digital media including Destiny Deacon (Erub-Mer-KuKu), Brenda L. Croft (Gurindji), Jenny Fraser (Bundjalung) and Christian Thompson (Bidjara/Pitjara).

Exposed! placed in the heart of the City of Sydney, will offer a moment for commuters to consider Aborigine urbanility and its placement within Sydney's psyche. It will also provide a platform to discuss the general placement and recognition of urban Aboriginal culture.

Many film buffs will be able enjoy the work of Australian and international indigenous filmmakers from Nunavut (Canada) and Aotearoa New Zealand. The Sydney

Opera House Playhouse will host a three-day program of free films, discussion and performance (May 17 - 19). Highlights include the long awaited Sydney premiere of Ivan Sens debut feature, 'Beneath Clouds', and 'Atanarjuat' (The Fast Runner) winner of the Camera dOr Cannes 2001 by director Zacharias Kunuk (Inuit).

If you're a party animal, Dance Tracks #2 at The Studio should do the trick on Friday 24 & Saturday 25 May. The Studio will be transformed into a 'club' style dance party for a night of live dance, music and multi media with an indigenous twist. The shows will feature contemporary dance stars Albert David, Jason, Pitt and Bernadette Walong and ARIA Award winning electronic dance music artists, Pnau.

"We are really excited about this collaboration, which offers us, as choreographers, a new direction in dance language through Pnau's innovative and inspirational music," says Albert David.

The festival will end on Sunday 26 May with 'Sorry Day'. 'Sorry Day' is the annual recognition of the forced removal of thousands of Aboriginal children from their families. To acknowledge this, the Sydney Opera House will introduce an extraordinary line up of indigenous music and feisty discussion in The Studio and Western Foyer.

The events will begin with an address by charismatic young Aboriginal activist Murrandoo Yanner, from far North Queensland followed by an eclectic mix of indigenous music.

All 'Message Sticks' 2002 events are free except the premiere screening of 'Beneath Clouds' with opening night party and Dance Tracks #2.

For more information, check out the 'Message Sticks' program at: www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au or Emma Heath at: ehprm@ozemail.com.au
 

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