It was a stunning night of song and ceremony that will long remain with me for its richness and redolence. I speak of First Peoples’ stories woven into Country. Gugu Dindi Gunyah. Many Rivers. One Home. marked the opening of the newly refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne.
That includes fresh, acoustically designed seats and wider space between rows of seats, a new glittering ceiling and upgrades to the lighting and sound systems. Along with better heating and cooling, there has also been improvements to the back of house areas, while preserving the theatre’s grand heritage.
With his superb, mellifluous vocalisation, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Nari Nari Songman Kutcha Edwards took centre stage in a powerful celebration of culture, resilience and belonging. He shared the platform with Song Keepers and cultural custodians from across the south-east nations. I speak of Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, Wayne Thorpe, Alice Skye, Stacie Nicholson-Piper, Neil Morris and Boorook – Brett Clarke.
Emotional and haunting, from the operatic to the melodic, the musical tone may have varied, but the constant was its overwhelming attraction and appeal. Each artist spent time on Country with Kutcha, guided by cultural authority and deep listening. Together they carry a shared reclamation of story, language and strength.
Every song was sung in the language of the Song Keepers, under the supervision of music director Aaron Choulai, one of six band members on stage. He played keys, Rosie Westbrook double bass, Helen Mountford cello, Jem Savage electronics, Ryan Williams recorder and Lizzy Welsh violin. As a result, the impact was enormous.
So too the entrancing staging. Gugu Dindi Gunyah. Many Rivers. One Home. looked superb. Jason Tamiru, keeper of fire and knowledge holder, carried the spirit of old Country. As the rivers steered the journey, Tegan Murdock guided the performance. Where Tegan wove the fish trap, dancers Brent Watkins, Phil Egan and Teena Moffat brought together songlines and stories. There was no separation of cultural protocols. Everyone was part of the Waripa – ceremony.
Utilising a series of tall video panels behind the artistes, the imagery of Country – forever changing – was breathtaking. These are the glorious natural wonders that constitute the Land and the rivers. Cinematographer Cam Matheson did a wonderful job capturing the timeless beauty. But he was not alone. Video artist Michael Carmody, who was responsible for the animation of Man, also played an integral part. The picture was completed with the magnificent lighting and production design by ADDITIVE’s Paul Lim and Bosco Shaw.
All was realised under the sterling direction of Kylie Belling, ensuring it was a privilege to be in the audience of Gugu Dindi Gunyah. Many Rivers. One Home. It was such a special evening, which culminated in an audience singalong led by the highly popular Kutcha, who was one of the Stolen Generation. Speaking from the heart after the performance, which didn’t resile from covering the atrocities perpetrated on the First Peoples, his outcry was evocative: “Spirit will guide you home”.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- DARKFIELD’s INVISIBLE (Arts Centre Melbourne) – theatre review
- GRIMM (Shake & Stir Theatre Co.) at Fairfax Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne and touring – theatre review
- Mary Coustas: This is Personal (Arts Centre Melbourne) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.