TRANSCRIPT
To fight, or to let them stay.
This is what clan leaders had to decide as they saw British ships arrive on January 26th, 1788.
'The Visitors' is a play that delves into the discussions that could have taken place on the date that forever changed life for First Nations people in Australia.
Jess Hitchcock is a Saibai/Motuan performer participating in the play.
“During this period of time it's been really crucial for us to be together telling this story. You know, there's six Indigenous artists and then there's an Indigenous Samoan artist performing with us as well.”
Whichever way they initially vote, everyone must ultimately agree.
Zoy Frangkos, a Greek/Wemba Wemba performer, talks about the story's context.
“Gordon is the one that is absolutely against the visitors landing. So the whole play it's him trying to convince the others to shoo them away or to fight them.”
Director Isaac Drandic, who is of Noongar origin, explains how the audience can see early signs of governing systems in the play that are still in place in today's society.
“I think it shows a level of organisation and democracy and a system that was in place here in Australia for thousands and thousands of years.”
The production is based on Jane Harrison’s original play and novel of the same name. It's the first time 'The Visitors' has been adapted for opera.
Ms Harrison says the book - and the play - touch upon Australia's greatest unresolved issue.
“Every country has one issue that they haven’t quite resolved, I believe, and I think in Australia it's colonisation for us. So we haven't come to terms with that.”
The production incorporates plenty of humour to explore the issue.
It also blends modernist music with Aboriginal elements - a nod to Dharug composer Christopher Sainsbusy's roots.
The show's world premiere in Melbourne came soon after Australians overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to enshrine a First Nations voice to parliament in the constitution, despite many Indigenous communities voting in favour of the voice.
Ms Harrison says this is a time of unity for all allies of Indigenous people in Australia.
“We're gutted but we're resilient. We also need our allies out there to come together with us and, you know, stand behind First Nations stories and storytelling.”
Performers, such as Zoy Frangos, hope it will encourage healing and reflection.
“I would love people who sit there and think they know everything and who voted 'no' to come down and see a show like this and actually maybe try and educate themselves and try to broaden their minds.”
