Hawaii Tribune-Herald Musical theater piece takes audiences on cultural journey IBy KATIE YOUNG YAMANAKA Special to the Tribune-Herald n a celebration of indigenous music, Black Arm Band, one of Australia’s leading performance art companies, will bring their musical theater piece, “Dirtsong,” to the Big Island in two performances: at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center and 7 p.m. Saturday at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. The show mixes traditional approaches and contemporary songs to conjure a sense of country — not just as a geographical place but also as a combination of powerful encounters, memories and obligations. Set against the backdrop of moving imagery and text that were inspired by the words of Miles Franklin Award winner Alexis Wright and featuring original songs performed in 13 different aboriginal languages, “Dirtsong” aims to take audiences on a musical journey through Australia’s cultural heartland. Approximately 15 vocalists and band members — indigenous and nonindigenous — are part of the Big Island performances, including band members Michael Meagher, Rory McDougall, and Tjupurru, and vocalists Fred Leone, Troy Brady, Deline Briscoe, Nicole Lampton and Shellie Morris. Island Beat caught up with Morris, a founding member of the group, last week while she was hosting a music workshop for women in the remote Outback areas of Australia. “Dirtsong,” she says, is a true picture of where Australia is today and how indigenous and nonindigenous people can work together. “The idea for this particular show came from our producer at the time, who See ‘DIRTSONG’ Page 9 Approximately 15 vocalists and band members will perform on the Big Island. Photo: Sara Walker Photo: Ryhs Graham
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