HotHouse Theatre is thrilled to welcome the inimitable Ghenoa Gela with her powerful solo production, My Urrwai coming to the Hume Bank Butter Factory Theatre Wodonga from August 29 to 30.
My Urrwai is a deeply personal story, inviting audiences to delve into Torres Strait Islander culture through a mainlander lens. In Torres Strait Islander communities, Dances are passed down through family according to strict tradition. They pass on stories and histories and can only be performed in culturally appropriate settings. Over the evening, Gela unfolds the layers of her story through movement, comedy, storytelling and dance.
Gela is a recipient of both the renowned Keir Choreographic Award and the Deadly Funny Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award. Laughter and deep reflection go hand in hand in this unique and intimate story told through movement and words. My Urrwai is a charming and accessible show for audiences around the region.
The distinction of this show is the particular way her cultural influences are articulated through movement, and the ways intersectionality plays into Gela’s various identities. The different communities and social groups that operate in society are a big part of what has shaped Gela’s experience. It affects people’s expectations of her, as well as her being part of and informed by all these communities.
“Ghenoa is immensely skilled. Building empathy and connection with the audience, she enables you to truly feel what life is like standing in her shoes. It is a funny and touching story that brings everyone together with generosity and respect” says Karla Conway, HotHouse Theatre Artistic Director.
Since its premiere at Sydney Festival in 2018, My Urrwai has toured across the country activating communities to open conversations about belonging.
Having worked with leading arts practitioner and award-winning Director Rachael Maza, My Urrwai is a performance that shares a simple and powerful story, with a knock-out performance from Gela.
HotHouse Theatre is Albury Wodonga’s leading performing arts company programming Australian stories for local stages.
My Urrwai, Tour produced by Performing Lines in association with ILBIJERRI Theatre
presented by HotHouse Theatre
Playing August 29 to 30
Hume Bank Butter Factory Theatre
https://www.hothousetheatre.com.au/season-2019/my-urrwai/
http://bit.ly/HHT_Tix