July 30, 2012
Queensland’s top theatre company will perform its latest play, “Stradbroke Dreamtime”, for more than 1200 South Burnett students in August, thanks to sponsorship from Stanwell Corporation.
Tarong power stations Site Manager Dennis Franklin said Stanwell, the owner of Tarong power stations and Meandu Mine, wanted local children to have an opportunity to see the Queensland Theatre Company’s latest work for young people.
The play, which apparently wowed audiences at the critically acclaimed Out of the Box Festival, celebrates stories from one of Australia’s most revered authors, Oodgeroo Noonuccal.
It will be performed over three big days for students at Benarkin, Cloyna, Kingaroy, Kumbia, Moffatdale, Murgon, Taabinga, Tingoora, Wheatlands, Windera, Wondai, Wooroolin and Yarraman State schools.
“Stanwell is very pleased to give local primary students possibly their first experience of professional live theatre,” Mr Franklin said.
“Many schools in the region only have small budgets for cultural activities such as theatre and we are pleased to help.”
Oodgeroo grew up on Stradbroke Island, near Brisbane. The play is part dance, part song and part poetry.
Artists from 11 different Aboriginal nations and clans come together to bring the stories to life on stage.
It features choreography by Gail Mabo, of the Mabo family of Mer Island, and performances by students from the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts: Kaleenah Edwards (great grand-daughter of Aunty Oodgeroo), Ben Maza and Alinta McGrady; and an original score by Kahl Wallace and Jhindu Lawrie.
