Lajamanu, North Tanami Desert, Northern Territory, Australia.

1990

Following a successful 3-month residency in 1989, (where three artists working at Lajamanu school created a touring dance theatre work that travelled to other Warlpiri-speaking communities in the Northern Territory), Brown's Mart Community Arts and the Lajamanu Community teamed up once again. Darwin-based Sarah Calver and Tim Newth returned for this second three-month residency, firmly establishing their relationship with the community. This time, they were joined by Robyn Laurie of Circus Oz fame, bringing circus skills into the dance, theatre, and visual arts mix.

The final performance performed within 2 tours saw 10 Lajamanu youth presenting their show to the Lajamanu Community, at the Barunga Sports Festival, Bagot Reserve and the NAIDOC Ball in Darwin, Yuendumu, Alice Springs, Willowra, and Ti-Tree.

Creative Personnel

Residency Team: Sarah Calver (Choreographer), Tim Newth (Visual Artist) and Robyn Laurie (Circus Skills)

Guest Composer: Nick Krieg

Performers

Brendan Jakamarra Simons, Clive Liebman, Dwayne Jungarrayi Gibson, Edith Nangala Hargraves, Essau P, Kerry-Anne Nampijinpa Sampson, Lennox  Japangardi Johnson, Philomena Nampijinpa Burns, Sharon Nakamarra Rockman, Zac Jakamarra Patterson

Read a personal Report from Sarah Calver

The 1989 Lajamanu project marked the beginning of things to come. It acted as a role model for other communities and enabled people within Lajamanu to understand us as artists and the processes involved in projects like this. As a result, the 1990 project had a different starting point, and the support, understanding, and input from the community itself was much more noticeable and welcome.

Report

1990

Under Brown’s Mart Community Arts – Executive Officer Ken Conway
Dance Development Office: Sarah Calver