SAND SONG

WALBIRA MURRAY & ELENA VEREKER

Conceived and directed by Elena Vereker and designed by visual artist Walbira Murray, Sand Song is a contemporary crossing of culture between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. Centred around a 25metre ground artwork of white sand, ochre, emu feathers and ancestor poles, five pathways spread out from the central area where the majestic ancestor poles stand tall.

The ancestor poles are awakened by a spark from a traditional fire to share their wisdom and bring the connection between earth and air. The ground artwork is lined with thousands of dream holders which are jars that have been painted by children during workshops held prior to the performance. Dancers perform a ceremonial lighting of the dream holders in a contemporary ritual that spreads the dreams of thousands of children and community.

At the conclusion, the candles are blown out and children take their dream holder with them. Originally presented as part of Brisbane Festival 2009, it is designed to work indoors or out under the stars and the design can work in a variety of spaces.
 

About Walbira Murray

Walbira is a Gumillaroi woman, from Dirranbandi. Walbira’s earliest memories are of living in the fringe dwellers camp on the banks of the Ballone River in a shack her father had built. Walbira is a traditional dancer, Artistic Director, Arts Facilitator, Art Maker and Events Coordinator. She combines traditional and contemporary practices, crafting spaces and experiences that reflect a connection to spirituality and allow for an interface between Indigenous and non Indigenous people.

She has worked on a local, state, national and international level. She has toured internationally to Europe, North America, and Asia numerous times to showcase Indigenous arts and culture through performance and exhibitions. Her work is influenced by connection to country and her culture. The colours and textures of the ghost gums, flat plains, slow rivers and deep earth colours of her country are often experienced in her work. This connection to country drives her to create spaces and experiences where Indigenous and non Indigenous people can interface on a level that encourages exploring mutual connection to place and the spiritual base of country.

DIRECTOR VISUAL ARTIST/STORYTELLER CHOREOGRAPHER/PERFORMER COMPOSER FIRE MAKER DANCERS SONG WOMAN LIGHTING DESIGNER COSTUME DESIGNER EPHEMERAL ARTWORK PRODUCTION MANAGER PRODUCER

Elena Vereker Walbira Murray Deon Hastie Lou Bennett Rick Roser Carmen Attel, Hannah Scanlon, Charleen Williams& Howard Williams Danielle Reuben David Walters Josh McIntosh Scott Murray Dan Kellie Lee Cumberlidge