Giordano Nanni

I don’t review theatre: I don’t have the expertise. But today I saw a very special play at the La Mama Courthouse and since it’s only on for a short time, I owe it to my Melbourne readers to spruik it.

Coranderrk We Will Show the Country is the name of the play, and it’s also the name of the book. The book consists of:

an historical introduction to Coranderrk which includes some remarkable photographs showing the achievements of the Kulin people on the Coranderrk reserve. It covers the period up to the 1881 Inquiry which is the focus of the play;
the script of the play, including biographies of the significant historical figures;
the aftermath of the Inquiry and the events leading to Coranderrk’s closure;
an explanation of how the historical record was transformed into the play.
a timeline, maps and archival photos.

The play is unique because it’s based entirely on transcripts from the 19th century paper trail of an heroic struggle for Aboriginal self-determination. Having been dispossessed of their ancestral lands by European settlement, a small band of survivors from the Kulin Nation petitioned the colonial government for a land grant to set up the Coranderrk Reserve. There they created an award-winning farm and an impressive settlement.

To read the rest of my thoughts, please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2016/08/08/coranderrk-a-play-a-book-and-a-moment-of-mel...… (altro)