‘SticksnStones on Birrung Marr’ by Melbourne Playback Theatre

SticksnStones on Birrung Marr‘ marked the beginning of Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June). In addition to National Sorry Day being on the 26 of May, the event called us to ask ourselves — what can we do to aid in our nation’s reconciliation?

The evening was a celebration and a chance to raise awareness of the First Nations cultural systems. Jill Gallagher, Rueben Berg, Monica McDonald, Bruce Pascoe, Robbie Bundle and Stan Yarramunua were excellent speakers in giving insight on upbringing, discrimination and hardship, and how they have overcome these things to get where they are today.

SticksnStones on the Birrung Marr

The night concluded with an outstanding performance by Playback Theatre Company. It was breathtaking, and can only really be described as authentic and cathartic. The performance was a continuation of the forum.

The five actors were given material for stories from audience members, which the facilitator Ian David gave stimulus questions for. Then the actors would respond to the stories through an improvised moment. The moments produced were simple yet beautiful. One story was of a woman wanting the courage to leave her home to join a protest in Pine Gap and the actors took tongue and cheek to the story using blue plastic crates as representation of a comfort zone.

SticksnStones on the Birrung Marr

It was a pleasure to listen to the audience members share their stories, and it reminded me of the power of storytelling and that everyone has a tale to tell.

– Amber
Amber B. is a freelance stage manager that is excited to keep you up to date with Melbourne’s best theatre.

To keep up to date with Melbourne Playback Theatre Company you can follow their Facebook page. To find more events for National Reconciliation Week go to the Reconciliation Australia website

Melbourne Playback Theatre Company’s next show is ‘On Our Shores‘, which will be a QandA followed by a performance at 7pm on Thursday 23 June at Footscray Arts Centre.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Sassy Red PR.
Photo credit: Playback Theatre and Steven Rhall.