Discover the richness of First Nations culture with Saltbush: an interactive journey like no other

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published March 17, 2023 at 2.20pm (AWST)

'Saltbush', an all-ages interactive journey, offers viewers an all-encompassing experience as they follow two companions and their spiritual mentor through various terrains in Australia, including river regions, cities, deserts, and the ocean.

The show utilises sensor and infrared cameras to facilitate engagement and participation for young viewers during the performance. The show draws inspiration from the saltbush plant, a versatile plant used by a number of First Nations communities in Australia for food and medicinal purposes.

This common thread brings inspiration for the contemporary painting, dance, and instrumental music created by collaborating First Nations, Australian, and Italian artists, all of which weave together to form the narrative of the show.

'Saltbush', Insite Arts. Photo by Rebecca Mansell.

The two leads will be performed by Jada Nampitjinpa Alberts, a performer/narrator proudly from the Yanyuwa/Larrakia/Wadaman/Bardi and Walpiri nations and Luke Currie-Richardson, dancer, actor, photographer and proud Kuku Yalanji/Djabugay/Mununjali/Butchulla and Meriam (Mer Island) man.

Mr Currie-Richardson says the show has "been around the world, it's a full interactive children's show where we get the kids up and get to teach them things like language and cultural practices".

"That's the best thing - we've got songs from different areas and stories about colonisation so it's about trying to teach the kids about our existence both traditionally in the past and how we navigate it today.

"I find the reactions from the elders sometimes hit harder. They realise those types of lessons they didn't get when they were younger, not just Indigenous elders but elders from different cultures too."

For over a decade the visually captivating Saltbush has been taking its performances on the road, entertaining audiences all over the world.

Since 2009, the troupe has toured extensively, bringing their unique blend of artistry and spectacle to Italy, the United States, South Korea, China, France, Japan, Austria, Scotland, Brazil, the Netherlands, and most recently, Helsingborg, Sweden last year.

This April, Saltbush is set to return to its roots, with a highly-anticipated performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

To make your booking and view the trailer for 'Saltbush', click here.

   Related   

   Joseph Guenzler   

Download our App

@natindigtimes
Article Audio

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.

National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.