1998

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BOOYI KOORA KOORA

by Yirra Yaakin, directed by David Milroy

In partnership with the Perth Zoo, Yirra Yaakin developed a play for young audiences based on traditional Noongar stories. The production was group devised by the Director and performers. BOOYI KOORA KOORA will stand as a major work that is both culturally based and very entertaining for young audiences.

The production had an extensive and successful schools tour that resulted in a further season in November to meet the demand. It also performed at the Winjan Festival in Mandurah in October. BOOYI KOORA KOORA is expected to have a long life into 1999 and beyond.

Michael Betts • Designer

David Chesson • Musical Director

Michael Betts • Set Designer

David Chesson • Musical Director

Ron Gidgup • Costume Designer

Derek Nannup • Performer

Lynley Narkle • Performer

Lennie Smith • Performer

Kylie Winmar • Performer

KING HIT

by Geoffrey Narkle and David Milroy, directed by David Milroy

In a time divided by inequality and injustice comes the story of Geoffrey Narkle, the ’Barker Bulldog’ whose fighting spirit brought him the strength to turn away from a downward spiral of drink and despair and find peace within.

This critically acclaimed play strikes at the very heart of the Stolen Generation, exploring the impact on an individual and a Culture when relationships are brutally broken.

Often told with great humour, KING HIT will foster understanding of a chapter in Australia’s recent history that largely remains untold.

PRODUCTION NOTES:

Due to the success of our 1997 season, KING HIT was successful in securing a tour of the South West with funding assistance from the Lotteries Commission of WA. The production played a number of small regional towns which attracted good audiences and was well received by the press.

Michael Betts • Designer

David Chesson • Musical Director

Ron Gidgup • Costume Designer

Warren Collard • Performer

Derek Nannup • Performer

Lynley Narkle • Performer

James Sollis • Performer

Kelton Pell substituted for Warren Collard for 5 performances due to illness.

KING HIT

Subiaco Theatre Centre

A remount of KING HIT was also staged at the Subiaco Theatre Centre in August with the support of the Perth Theatre Trust. This short season attracted good reviews and reasonable audience numbers given the small publicity budget.

Michael Betts • Designer

David Chesson • Musical Director

Jho Suckling • Performer

Derek Nannup • Performer

Lynley Narkle • Performer

James Shaw • Performer

KING HIT

Brisbane Festival

KING HIT was also chosen to be a part of the Brisbane Festival. The festival was disappointing due to the poor condition of the venue, lack of publicity and running back to back with two other shows. Regardless of this KING HIT attracted the largest audiences of the three shows and gave the company the opportunity to tour interstate.

Personnel as for Subiaco Theatre Centre

KING HIT

Country Arts WA Tour

After the Brisbane festival the production embarked on a tour of the entire state as part of the Country Arts Touring program. The tour started in Manjimup and finished in Kununurra. One of the highlights of the tour was performing in a shearing shed at Noonkenbah Station. The play was once again well received and provided valuable experience to the company in touring the North.

Personnel as for Subiaco Theatre Centre