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ACPA presents Spirit of the Lore supplied by Rosemary Walker 8 September 2013
T
he Training Director of ACPA, and director of Spirit of the Lore Rob Doran talks about the creation and rehearsal process that has gone into this new work that will be performed by ACPA’S acting students. The following has been taken from Doran’s program notes: “I acknowledge seven nations of South East Queensland: Turrbal, Jagera, Mununjali, Yugambeh, Gubbi Gubbi, Jinnaburra and Nunukul, for their support of ACPA and for recognising that ACPA students come from all areas across this continent of islands, sharing one common goal: the recognition, ownership and promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, through the pursuit of excellence in the performing arts. I also acknowledge the original founder of ACPA, Michael Leslie. Without Michael’s vision, passion and determination to establish ACPA, none of us would be here today. This show, as with all ACPA productions, is proof of the invaluable work done by all of the ACPA team: in administration, student support and training roles; that make ACPA pulse every day. Like a diner at a restaurant, you, the audience, enjoy the fruit of the labors of a host of professionals that work behind the scenes, to bring you the show you are about to see. The acting students you will watch perform, along with their peers in dance and music, are part of the next generation of performing artists, that will capture your hearts, populate television and cinema screens, and perform on stages across this land and overseas: each developing careers in their own right, while always
Ben Creek, Tibian Wyles and Leonard Donahue during rehearsals. Image supplied
raising the profile of Indigenous artists in Australian mainstream media: the ultimate mirror to our cultural self; as a country of many peoples, a group of islands, and as a nation leading by example. Spirit of the Lore is an original work that is truly a collaboration of ACPA students and staff. The starting point was to take the underlying principle of a classic text from English Literature, in this case William Golding’s Lord of the Flies: (youth stranded in an unknown place without the guidance of adults) and to create a new work, from an Indigenous perspective. The creative process involved work shopping and improvising ideas, drafting dialogue, work shopping these further to find authentic voices and phrasing, to realise a basic script. From here the script was applied, rehearsed, reviewed and reworked until the story you are about to see emerged. The choreography and cultural guidance of the work is thanks to the ACPA Cultural Team and their generous and ineffable commitment to these young, emerging artists.
We were also blessed with the wisdom and experience of guest Indigenous artists and mentors who were in the right place at the right time to be part of this journey. The goal of this work was always to celebrate Culture and the important value it has in preserving and promoting the continuity of a community, as well as bringing diverse peoples together. At the same time, we have strived to ensure that those things that are sacred and belong only in the hearts and minds of the people, who own that knowledge, are not shown on stage. We all have Culture. Remembering our own, and revering that of others, is key to living together and reaching our full potential. As Cowboy says, “I got all kind people in me”. If seeing Spirit of the Lore kindles a desire to revisit your own cultural heritage and a curiosity to learn more about the cultures that belong to those that sit amongst you, then we have achieved our goal for this show.” For bookings visit qpac.com.au or call 136 246.
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