The worlds first Krump Band – Grrilla Step, plus Dan Sultan, Last Kinnection, Shellie Morris, Archie Roach, Rhombus, Narasarito Pan Pipers, Oni the Haitian Sensation, King Kapisi, Canadian Aboriginal Music award winners Digging Roots and one of the top 50 guitarists of all time Stevie Salas supporting Metis artist Janet Panic, all join a world-class programme of performances and events planned over the 2010 Dreaming Festival.
Set in the cultural parkland of Woodfordia, an hour north of Brisbane, this four night and three day festival is being held over the long weekend on the 11th to the 14th of June. The stellar programme offers a profound insight into the diversity of Australia’s Indigenous culture and embraces a number of International Indigenous acts. From cultural ceremony and dance to the most contemporary theatre, with a broad music programme of pop, jazz, acoustic, rock, hip hop, blues, and reggae; a film venue, art galleries, restaurants and bars, and plenty of opportunity to be immersed in the world’s oldest cultures through a children’s festival, forums and workshops.
The theatre programme draws the best of contemporary Indigenous works into the festive atmosphere. ‘My name is Sud (sood)’ a gripping theatrical work from the Sudanese Community, ‘Bindjareb Pinjarra’, a comedy about a Western Australian massacre, ‘Chasing the Lollyman’ a sell-out show by Brisbane based Mark Shepard, ‘Magpie Blues’, the life story of Ursula Yovich, ‘yuyukatha: Kutcha Edwards’ and ‘Black Sheep – Glorious Baastards’ from acclaimed Melbourne based company Ilbijerri are some of the theatrical delights at this years festival.
Kaha:wi and Kehewin Native Dance theatre, two eminent dance companies from Canada, Rako Fire performers from Fiji, the Australian premiere performance from Vanuatu’s ensemble Roi Mata, Mornington Island Dancers, Tagai Zugubau, Breakdancing with Victoria’s State Champion B-Boy 2 Eazy and new work by NAISDA offer a dance programme for all ages and tastes.
The Kula Films venue will show Bran Nue Dae, Samson and Delilah, River Of No Return, Stone Bros and Bastardy along with over 70 films.
Festival patrons can join in master-classes with Santee Smith and Albert David, Beatbox workshop with King Kapisi and body painting at the Pasifika Gallery. The 2010 Dreaming festival will provide a wide-range of interactive cultural opportunities for everyone, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
This year, The Dreaming launches a new festival venue, Nomad’s Palace. Coffee house/wine bar by day it will present a challenging speakers program and artist interviews live from the ‘Red Couch’. By night the Palace takes it up a notch with an eclectic mix of sound and vibes, offered until the early hours of the morning.
wiCKED wAY a promenade for youth by youth will lead into Jarjum ‘kids’ Place the dedicated children’s festival making its debut into The Dreaming, with a programme including family theatre, ochre painting and storytelling.
Pre-sales for this year’s festival are very strong which is to be expected following the growth and success of the 2009 festival. Organisers are expecting a record attendance this year, which stands as a testament to the interest and buzz out in the national community for The Dreaming.
Newly appointed programme Director Sam Cook is overjoyed with the festival’s growth. “To be this far ahead of previous years takings, is a great show of support for the future of the Dreaming. Furthermore it’s a testament to a quality programme with multiple levels of interest for all ages.”
The four clans of the Jinibara Nation, Dungidau, Dala, Nalbo and Garumaga are the keepers of the lands on which The Dreaming is celebrated and the traditional custodians invite all to come to The Dreaming and stand together in spirit and unity, respecting the country we now all share.