Marcel Meltherorong – Performance
Monday 25th March: 10.00 – 10.30
Bio:
I am an author, poet, storyteller, playwright, producer, musician, songwriter and artist. Known in Melanesia as Mars Melto, I have been at the forefront of Vanuatu’s creative industries for over a decade. Raised in the colonial war-zone of urban Noumea, New Caledonia, and hailing from the small island of Vao off the north-east coast of Malekula, Vanuatu, I speak fluent English, French, Bislama and Latavao (native vernacular of Vao).
Abstract:
Roots Magik
A unique performance of customary magic that demonstrates the dynamics of connection with nature, expressions of kastom power and spirit and how this engages with challenges of cultural change in Vanuatu.
US Mob Writing – Performance
Monday 25th March: 16.00 – 17.00
Bio: Us Mob Writing (UMW) are a group of First Nations Australia poets, writers and story tellers, emerging and established committed to showcasing First Nations writing. They focus primarily on poetry and short stories, and are published in books and journals including self-publishing By Close of Business and Too Deadly. The group also feature at writing events and festivals.
Abstract: Too Deadly Workshop: Us Mob Writing Group
The Us Mob Writing Group workshop is for First Nations Peoples to write about their resilience, bringing it to the page and sharing with others. Whether it’s showing resilience in poetry, character description or short story, we will lead individuals to explore and develop these concepts further. Storytelling is resilience in action as First Nations Peoples.
Dietrix Jon Ulukoa Duhaylonsod – Performance
Tuesday 26th March: 10.00 – 11.00
Bio:
Kiawekūpono O Ka Ua is a traditional school of knowledge nurtured in the sands of O‘ahu-o-Mā‘ilikūkahi. We practice our cultural traditions, keeping centered on ‘ohana, and we tell our stories with the lessons they convey. From this foundation of understanding what is pono, we move forward with mana and aloha.
Abstract:
The Use of Songs & Dances in Cross-Cultural Education to Encourage Indigenous Solidarity and Support
How can we use our songs/dances to connect with the audience in a more powerful way?In striving to do so, we can add extra meaning to our performing arts. With deliberate agency, we define our wealth and values on our own terms every time we hit the stage.
Smithsonian – Performance
Tuesday 26th March: 14.30 – 15.30
More information coming soon.
Alicia Jones – Performance
Wednesday 27th March: 13.30 – 14.00
Bio:
Alicia Jones (Ben Lomond, TAS) is a Performance/Installation artist currently residing on Yugambeh country (Gold Coast). Questioning modes of education, knowledge systems and control of information through the use of objects and gesture as cultural signifiers, Alicia’s body of work stems from her journey back to country. Alicia’s installations are simultaneously created to activate cathartic experience through critical self reflection. Alicia's performance-led research centres on the effectiveness of performance installation on releasing trauma and promoting inclusive societies.
Abstract:
Performing detention: breaking cycles of violence
Yarning Circle – Performance
Wednesday 27th March: 14.00 – 14.30
More information coming soon.
Letila Mitchell – Performance
Thursday 28th March: 14.00 – 15.00
Bio:
Letila Mitchell, Artistic Director, Rako Pasefika is visual and performing artist, and has trained and worked extensively as an arts manager, researcher, producer and a practising artist in the Pacific region. Her work focuses on cultural entrepreneurship, arts for social change, and developing Pacific models for environmental and cultural sustainability
Abstract:
Cloaks of Protection – RakoPasefika’s work focuses on reviving and sustaining heritage through co-creation and enterprise
Cloaks of Protection is a multi media dance production that reflects on the imbalance and violence in the world around us. The work explores the process of grief, healing and resilience and how we as Pacific people rebuild by creating cloaks of protection steeped in cultural knowledge, love and with a focus on unity.