WIYALIKAN: ONE WHO SPEAKS // PRESENTED BY THE LOCK-UP AND NGARRAMA PRODUCTIONS

Drawing on verbatim interviews and words from a range of significant present and past Elders and leaders, WIYALIKAN: ONE WHO SPEAKS tells the little known stories of local Aboriginal community members in the intimate setting of The Yard at The Lock-Up. 

This special performance, delivered by two young Aboriginal performers, Pamalyn Hyde and Ray Kelly Jr, offers a unique glimpse into the history and lives of the local Aboriginal community. Starting with a warm cup of soup on arrival, audiences listen and watch as a conversation unfolds between the performers with stories shared, words of wisdom delivered and histories retold. 

From forgotten political rallies of early last century, continued governmental intervention, through small personal struggles and victories - survival and community is what has signified the continued presence of Aboriginal people in the Hunter region. 

The stories of this survival, passed on from those who experienced it and remember, tells of; ‘hats thrown in and wages shared, waiting in line for health services that don’t come, casual racism dealt with through humour, and ‘direct action’ from infamous boxers, such as Dave Sands’, and achievements that proved ground breaking, but were simply people living their lives and saying “We are here and this is who we are." 

 “What we learn out of text books is not the same as we get from our mother or father, our community. All of us, black and white, need to think about that.” - Auntie Bev Manton 

TICKETS - $20, $15 CONCESSION - INCLUDES PERFORMANCE AND A MUG OF SOUP. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET. 

The two prime creative producers for Ngarrama Productions have, between them, over 50 years experience in the industry. Rod Smith is an Aboriginal actor, composer, director, cultural dancer and producer who has worked with a range of theatre companies throughout Australia, including Sydney Theatre Company, SA State Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre Company and Bell Shakespeare among others, as well as various TV appearances. Brian Joyce is a writer, director, producer who has won numerous awards, run theatre companies, developed work for a number of government agencies and is known for his creative and innovative solutions to performance projects. He has also taught Creative and Performing Arts at University of Newcastle and continues his innovative research into applied performance.