Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, January 19, 2017 9 ‘DIRTSONG’ From page 7 wanted to do a whole show in aboriginal language showcasing beautiful images of Australia and the indigenous people living here,” says Morris, whose own ancestors hail from the northern territory of Australia in Kakadu National Park. She says the indigenous people of Australia all came from different clans and nations, with each nation having a language of its own. “There were around 400 aboriginal languages and now there are only 173 that are spoken fluently,” she says. “Here in Australia, it’s incredibly important because, unfortunately, it has been a struggle for people to receive the ongoing recognition of their culture and language. This show is a wonderful way to share our stories.” Though the majority of the production is sung in aboriginal languages, Morris says the imagery creates an understanding. “You don’t need to know what the words mean,” she says. “You feel it. The show is really about our connection to the land and our connection to those songs that are with the land.” The show begins, she explains, with the land being “unwell” — too many buildings, too much pollution and drought. Then the rains come and the land starts to heal. “For me personally, ‘Dirtsong’ is about having a relationship with the land that we live on. This is my favorite show of all the ones we’ve done over the past 10 years. I never get sick of watching it. I can look up at the screen and there’s my sister’s son looking at me. I can see their faces. It’s like I’m at home when I’m doing this show.” Black Arm Band has performed “Dirtsong” all around the world, including Brazil, London, New York, China and Malaysia, as well as extensively across Australia. Morris, whose aboriginal name, Marrambamba, means “mermaid dreaming,” says no matter where they tour this show, the reaction is always the same. “It’s such a universal show,” she says. “And music is the universal language that we’re speaking. It opens up the realm of indigenous people knowing their country., knowing their land and having a language to speak. I see people leave with that sense of the beauty that our world has to offer. I think it’s such an eye-opener.” The members of Black Arm Band all come from various parts of Australia and speak different languages themselves, which Morris says has never been a problem for the group. “We are nomadic people so it was common for the older generation to speak more than a dozen different aboriginal languages,” she says. “It’s not that way as much now, but I feel Black Arm Band really created a movement in sharing and of strength. We are saying, ‘We are not going away. We are still here and we are proud of who we are.’” At 51, Morris is the oldest member of Black Arm Band. She speaks more than 25 aboriginal languages fluently, all learned at first through song. “Your language is important and you are important,” says Morris, noting that what appeals to her most about the aboriginal languages of her own country are the varying melodies of each one. “It’s so fascinating … some are drawn out, eee-eee-eee, and others are whispers. In one of the desert languages, the women speak to me in whispers like they are telling me a secret.” Morris was adopted at birth by non-indigenous parents and was raised in Sydney. So for her, learning these indigenous languages is a massive feat. She joined a gospel choir in her twenties and was trained as an opera singer before she found the voice of her heart. Nearly two decades ago, she was able to reconnect with her birth family, which started her on this journey to connect with her homeland and to work in remote communities all over Australia. Says UH-Hilo PAC manager Lee Dombroski, “I hope that this performance will foster in our community an understanding, appreciation for and curiosity about other indigenous peoples’ performing arts traditions and processes.” Tickets for the UH-Hilo PAC show are reserved seating. Pre-sale prices are $30 general, $25 discounted, and $15 for students with a valid ID as well as children 17 and under. At the door, tickets will be $35, $30 and $20 respectively. Call 932- 7490 or order online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii. edu. Tickets for the Kahilu Theatre performance are $68, $48, $38, and $20, available for purchase online at www.kahilutheatre. org or by calling 885-6868. Box office hours are from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Adds Kahilu Theatre executive director Deb Goodwin, “As we know, humanity is becoming more and more connected. Kahilu Theatre is privileged to bring art from such a distant and primal place, and yet a place related to us by the vast reach of the Pacific Ocean.” ONE GALLERY an artists’ collective Art & Wine Classes 961-2787 $35 onegalleryhawaii.com JAZZ NIGHT AT THE PALACE THURS - JAN. 26 - 6-8pm in the Lobby Music by SOUL ON A ROLL Featuring Randy Skaggs on saxophone, Walter Greenwood on organ, Brian Crist on bass and Michael Suprenant on drums! Special café menu + Beer & Wine! Tickets only $10 38 HAILI ST ~ HILO ~ 934-7010 PARADISE RESTAuRANT SuPPLY STILL OPEN - STILL STRONG OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - 9:30 AM TO 5:00 PM LARGEST SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL COOKWARE & SuPPLIES ON ISLAND WE DO KNIFE SHARPENING BRING THIS COUPON IN FOR 20% OFF - NON-SALE ITEMS LARGE SELECTION OF POTS, WOKS, MEAT GRINDERS 250 Kamehameha–Downtown hilo 808 - 933 - FORK (3675) Greg Sheehan plays drums during a performance of “Dirtsong.” Photo: SARA WALKER
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