Angurugu, Groote Eylandt

June 1997

Collaboration between Tracks, Brown's Mart, Corrugated Iron Youth Theatre, Drum Drum, Angurugu Community Council, Angurugu Community School, Digitarts.

Wild Things was the second part of a project begun in 1993 (Totems). 

The project was instigated through Brown's Mart Community Arts to provide artistic and cultural activities during "Clan" time, a time when the community received royalties and anti-social behaviour rose. Petrol sniffing has historically been a significant social and health issue on Groote Eylandt, particularly among Indigenous youth. It reached critical levels in the 1980s and 1990s, but intensive community-led interventions and the introduction of low-aromatic fuels have drastically reduced its prevalence. 

The artists worked with young people at risk to create a full-length community show. More than 100 young people performed with pride and confidence for the community audience.

Wild Things was very loosely based on Maurice Sendak's book, Where the Wild Things Are. With Tim, they made hoodie tops costumes, and with Airi, they learned various drumming rhythms, especially from PNG. The performance incorporated dance, design, costume making and music.

Creative Personnel

Directors: Tim Newth, David McMicken and Susan Ditter
Musical Director: Airi Ingram
Organisations: Tracks Dance, Corrugated Iron Youth Arts, Angurugu Community Education Centre, Groote Eylandt Community Council, Digitarts

Tracks Dance 1997

Co-Artistic Directors: Sarah Calver, David McMicken, Tim Newth
Administrator: Liann Stevenson

[Under Brown's Mart Community Arts – Executive Officer Ken Conway]