I am Eora

I am Eora is a little bit (welcome to) country, a little bit rock and roll and a whole lot of other things in between.

Set on a mammoth stage in Sydney’s Carriageworks director Wesley Enoch’s production traverses the epic history of the Eora nation - the indigenous clans surrounding Sydney Harbour. Starting with a solitary figure, a man in a business suit who strips to reveal full tribal body paint, inextricably linking him with the past to the here and now. The story focuses on three central characters Pemulwuy - the warrior, Barangaroo - the nurturer and Bennelong - the interpreter and from these three, the history of indigenous Australians in Eora unfolds.

This a bold in your face show with unflinching force and enthusiasm. It uses a mix of dance, song and rap along with traditional text to tell the story and get its message across. The performers are energetic and at times frenetic, but also for the most part are optimistic that historical travesties will not dictate their future.

Interestingly unlike much of indigenous theatre I am Eora is inclusive. It doesn’t necessarily come from an “us and them” perspective and is seemingly much more interested in finding a working solution to cultural differences.

Whitney Fitzsimmons

Photographer: Prudence Upton.

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