Come To Where I Am – Australia, Volume 2

This is the second instalment of the series which livestreams original works by writers exploring their experience of life under COVID-19 restrictions in a range of remote and exotic locations around Australia. The snapshot of the disturbance of the virus into these peaceful and idyllic locations highlights the immense beauty of each place and the ways in which Corona has infiltrated our lives physically and, most importantly, psychologically. The pieces are recorded and read by the writers and makes for some sombre yet enormously uplifting performances.

The livestream opened with Tahli Corin and Joshua Tyler (pictured above) who live on a property in Kyneton, Victoria situated in Taungurung country. Their piece "Escape to the Marriage" looks at the trials of being confined to their home and dealing with the challenges of COVID circumstances such as balancing working from home while home-schooling two young children. Their piece shows the pain and frustration of restricted movement even on a large-scale property. While the virus is at a safe distance physically, the impact on their everyday routine takes its toll. However, their humour and resilience also show a determination to overcome this difficult time.

Jeanette Cronin (pictured above) based in Caloundra, QLD in Kabi Kabi country performed "Paradise is Silent" which contemplates the lure of the seaside. Cronin’s words draw us into the beauty of this paradise location and makes what would be an ordinary stroll into an adventure. The calming and poetic rhythm of her language mirrors that of the stunning imagery in the piece.

Tessa Rose (pictured above) in Palmerston, NT speaks from Larrakia country. Her piece "A Little Bit of Territory” brings some wonderful atmospheric sounds of the mystical location and gives insight into both the joys and difficulties of everyday life in this vast and remote abode. Although the virus is also at a safe distance, its devastating potential for the local Indigenous community is clearly ever present in their minds.

Alison Mann (pictured below) delivers her piece from her vehicle in a hospital car park. Speaking from Hobart, Tasmania in Nipaluna country, Mann tells the poignant story of "The Car at the Top of the Tree”. Her work reckons with Tasmania’s difficult history as well as her brother’s hospitalisation and treatment for cancer. The virus imposes a separation on her and her family that is heartbreaking and echoes the kind of hardships the virus is imposing on the most vulnerable members of the community.

These beautiful and often enigmatic performances can be seen at the Screening Room on the Critical Stages Touring website as well as on the YouTube channels of Critical Stages and Paines Plough.

Patricia Di Risio