Jandamarra

Title: Jandamarra
Author: Hawke, Steve
Price: $25.99

Warrior, leader and Jalgangurru - a man bestowed with spiritual powers - Jandamarra led one of Australia's longest and most successful campaigns to defend Aboriginal country from the encroaching white man. In 1897 while in his mid-twenties and having led the resistance successfully for years, he was tragically gunned down. During his short life he created a legacy that should never be forgotten. The Perth premiere season at Black Swan Theatre (2008) was sold out before opening night. In 2011 the play was remounted in an outdoor production at four Kimberley (WA) locations.

This is his story, as told by Steve Hawke and developed from the stories of the Bunuba people and from the book, Jandamarra and the Bunuba Resistance by Howard Pedersen and Banjo Woorunmurra. Following his journey into manhood and his attempts to escape his family and culture before becoming a leader for his people, Jandamarra seamlessly combines traditional storytelling, dance and song in a culturally illuminating, emotionally stirring and linguistically captivating reimagining of his story.

From child to a mystic resistance leader, Steve Hawke has written a superb portrayal of the famous Aboriginal rebellion leader and his spiritual awakening. Jandamarra is a work integral to understanding Australian history and the conflicts that have shaped our national identity.

Cast : 12M, 4F (doubling possible)

STEVE HAWKE grew up in Melbourne, but found his way to the Northern Territory, and then to the Kimberley, as a 19-year-old in 1978. Captivated by the country, the history and the people, he finished up staying for almost 15 years, working for Aboriginal communities and organisations. He now lives in the hills outside Perth, but continues his strong association with the Kimberley, returning most years. His writings on the Kimberley include Noonkanbah (1989); Barefoot Kids (2007), a children's novel set in Broome; and A Town Is Born (2013), a history of Fitzroy Crossing. He has worked with the Bunuba community for 30 years, on the Jandamarra project and other cultural projects for Bunuba Cultural Enterprises, and also on a wide range of community, organisational, land and native title projects and activities.

Publisher: Currency Press Pty Ltd
Publication date: 01/07/2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780868199733
Publishing status: AU Dropshipping