Reflecting upon my Aboriginal experience growing up is clouded in a lot of confusion and incorrect information. Whilst born in Tasmania, we moved to Darwin when I was quite young. I went to a local public school where, in my memory bank at least, the Aboriginal children were clearly labelled and clearly segregated from everyone else. My godfather was a Tasmanian Aboriginal (don’t believe the stories that Truganini was the last surviving Aboriginal), so I found this very odd, but went along with the norm. On moving to the Macedon Ranges of Victoria, I was again taught that the Aboriginals in the area had died out. I don’t even know which country my hometown lies on! This is not the experience I want for the generation I am teaching. This is not the experience I want for my children.
NAIDOC week has commenced. For me it is an opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements, and a time to recognise Indigenous Australians’ contributions to our country (see our post on Celebrating NAIDOC Week with Kids).
To kick off the week, my family headed to the Sydney Opera House to watch Saltbush : Children’s Cheering Carpet. Developed by the award-winning production company Compagnia TPO and Insite Arts, Saltbush leads the audience on a trip thought the Australian landscape under the narration of the incredibly talented Sharni McDermott (what a voice!).
Immediately upon sitting down in the theatre, Master R (currently 9) looked around at the rest of the audience and noted that most children were aged under 5. He loudly proclaimed “Why are we here! I’m too old for this” and I shrunk in my seat a little thinking I may have got this booking wrong. When the lights dimmed and Sharni began the story, I noted that he was entranced. Phew!
As the audience moves from the river country to the cityscape, from desert and to the sea through two dancers journey, a large interactive carpet in the centre of the room transforms. This was the highlight for almost every child attending. At various points along the narrative, the dancers invited different audience members onto the mat to bring it to life, to dance and to share the experience. Even Master R, typically quite restrained, hopped down and participated with enthusiasm.
Saltbush : Children’s Cheering Carpet is an amazing performance which introduces kids to the shared culture and language of Indigenous Australia through an immersive experience. Be prepared for your kids to be in and out of their seats throughout the 50 minutes that it runs!
Saltbush : Children’s Cheering Carpet is running until Sunday, 10 July at the Sydney Opera House. It is recommended for ages 4 – 8 years. You will need to remove your shoes before entering the theatre so remember to wear your pretty socks! Visit the event page for more details.
Thanks to the Sydney Opera House for providing us with a family pass. Of course, all opinions are our own.