Latest Reviews

Photo – Lisa Tomasetti

There’s a smell that floats through the concrete bays of Carriageworks – and it’s not what you would expect – the smell of perfumed dignitaries, nor the smell of gourmet snacks and soup – it’s a smoking ceremony signaling a cleansing welcome to all who have come to witness the world premiere of I Am Eora.

Inside the theatre, a man stands on the raked stage, tending the fire nestled within a 40-gallon drum. It’s as we expect – traditional. What isn’t expected is the fast scrolling text streaming onto the back wall of the space – it welcomes us to the land on which we have gathered. There is a strong smell, a bold image. We are experiencing an all immersive collision between traditional and contemporary cultures. We become keenly aware that we are covered in the one smoke, breathing the same air, experiencing the same sensations of being in that space at that time. Our contemporary clothes collide with traditional smoke. We are both past and present. And, slowly, as the stage shifts and changes, as people fill the space, the collisions keep coming.

Eora. It’s a word that refers to the nation of indigenous clans that range south to the Georges River, north to the Hawkesbury River, and west to Parramatta and its literal translation means “from here” or “the people from here.” This is a show made for Sydney-siders – what better way to start the Sydney Festival with a show made of, with and for the community?

Born out of discussions started in 2008 between Festival Director, Lindy Hume and Director Wesley Enoch, I Am Eora is a huge swirling mass of history, provocation, music, attitude, dance, culture, interrogation – this is a show born out of pride, urgency, philosophy. Presented in three chapters, I Am Eora shows the enduring effect of three inspirational indigenous leaders – Pemulwuy the shape-shifting warrior; Barangaroo a woman of great integrity and resilience; and Bennelong, the gifted interpreter who sought reconciliation.

But beware, this is not a dull and worthy history lesson, designed to appease white guilt or to re-play well-trodden themes regarding indigenous culture and tradition in Indigenous theatre. This is an all-out explosion of dance and music, an invitation to all people to celebrate Indigenous people, to celebrate their reliance, power, culture. It feels like a rock concert. Blasting assumptions about indigenous theatre, it demands attention and deserves it.

In 70 minutes, Enoch has harnessed the humour and talent and traditions of 50 aboriginal artists and crew to present a truly dynamic must-see festival event.

I Am Eora is a sassy in-ya-face assertion of indigenous strength and beauty. An invitation to connect to land, to history, to aboriginal perspective in a very contemporary context – endlessly surprising and full of politics – but not in a dreary didactic way. It gives us all permission to be inspired by and excited about our indigenous leaders. And it will leave you cleansed, invigorated and inspired to make sure the gap is closed, and closed for good.


Sydney Festival in association with The Balnaves Foundation present
I Am Eora

Directed by Wesley Enoch

Venue: Carriageworks | Eveleigh
Dates: 8 – 14 January 2012
Ticket: $59 – $44
Bookings: www.sydneyfestival.org.au | 1300 668 812