Premiere of the First Major Work by African Communities in Australia
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday September 18, 2009
Premiere of the first major theatre work by African communities in Australia
MY NAME IS SUD (pronounced Soo-d) (MY NAME MEANS BLACK), the first professional major theatre work to be developed by the African community in Australia, will premiere at Blacktown Arts Centre in November 2009.
Australia has experienced an influx of humanitarian refugees from Africa over the past 5 years, settling up to 2,473 families from Sudan, Liberia and Sierra Leone across the Blacktown Local Government Area, Western Sydney (2006 Census), with these numbers sure to have increased since the Census.
"My skin is black, my eyes are black. How can my parents fear I will lose my 'Africanness? '. I will always be black but in my own way'..(Machar).
Blacktown City's emerging Sudanese community speak for themselves in this groundbreaking new work. Written by an ensemble of first time writers, My Name is Sud is 'unique, poignant and charming.' (Chris Mead, Playwrighting Australia, Artistic Director).
The play follows the story of a family who has escaped the conflicts of war in Sudan who now face the conflicts of freedom in Sydney. Akoi dreams of being a writer. Her brother Machar struggles for a new identity. Their mother Kuei, fears losing her son to the 'streets of Blacktown' and to his Australian girlfriend.
South African Artistic Director and writer, Robert Colman, has been the artist in residence at the Blacktown Arts Centre, mentoring the emerging writers through an intensive theatre mentorship program. The talent and commitment is not surprising, Robert comments 'as these cultures have a strong tradition of storytelling and performance, which transfers beautifully to the stage. As writers they have a natural honesty and entertaining way of telling powerful stories.'
"This exciting and insightful production provides a wonderful glimpse into the values, struggles and aspirations of Blacktown City's and Australia's emerging African communities," Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Charlie Lowles said.
"I am delighted that Council, though the Blacktown Arts Centre continues to present innovative, thought provoking and important performances, exhibitions, workshops and programs such as
My Name is Sud.
"I recommend all members of the community come and see the performance to gain a better understanding and appreciation of our City's newly arrived African communities," Mayor Lowles said.
For artist interviews, enquiries and images contact Blacktown City Council on (02) 9839 6000.