2007

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WINDMILL BABY

Directors Notes

WINDMILL BABY first opened in Perth 2005 at the Subiaco Theatre Centre. At that time I had no expectations that five international tours later I’d be writing directors notes for a show that I initially perceived as simple show that may get a short run and then disappear into the fog of theatrical history. I believe I was right about the simplicity of the show but the fog of theatrical history has certainly not rolled over Windmill Baby.

From readings in Paris to performances in Canada England India and Ireland WINDMILL BABY has performed a story written from the heart about the heart. The story was blending of a number of yarns, legends and oral histories from the Pilbara and Kimberley that had swirled around in my head for many years. Many of the characters and stories in WINDMILL BABY including the dog are based on, in some part, real events, people and animals. The play has also allowed me to experience the talent and friendship of Rohanna Angus, Craig Chook Pickett, Pauline Whyman and Adam Fitzgerald who have added that often elusive depth and sparkle to the show.

Biographies from WINDMILL BABY - David Milroy

David has been involved in theatre in for a number of years as a musician, director and writer. He has written and directed a number of plays including KING HIT, RUNUMUK and WINDMILL BABY. David was Artistic Director of Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre for seven years and received a Myer Award in 2002 for his contribution to the development of indigenous theatre. In 2000 David was a guest Director of the American Playwrights Conference in Connecticut and has attended the Australian National Playwrights Conference on a number of occasions as a writer and Director. David won the 2004 Patrick White Award and the 2005 Equity Guild Award for his play WINDMILL BABY. In 2005 David received a fellowship from the Theatre Board of the Australia Council and in 2006 had his play WINDMILL BABY read at the Comédie Française in Paris.

David is currently living in Perth and is actively involved in Native Title with his people the Palyku of the Pilbara.

Biographies from WINDMILL BABY - Rohanna Angus

Rohanna Angus is a proud Bardi/Jawy woman. She was born in Broome and raised at One Arm Point, a remote community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Rohanna began her career at the are of 15, taking on the lead role in ‘Bran Nue Dae’. This taste for the arts led her to a broad career in radio, television, film and theatre. Rohanna has not only performed in front on the camera, she has worked as a scriptwriter, producer, filmmaker, editor, cinematograher, and presenter. Her acting credits include ‘Flight to Hell’, “Lilma’ ‘Ocean Star’ ‘Second Chance’ and ‘Dampier Peninsular Road Trip’. Rohanna has performed Windmill Baby in India and England. Her documentary work has taken her to Mexico. Rohanna is passionate about her role as Maymay Starr and she says old Maymay and her are related!

Windmill Baby International and Australian tours

2007: Mumbai International Arts and Culture Festival - India

2006: Belfast International Arts Festival – Northern Ireland

2006: Salisbury International Arts Festival – United Kingdom

2006: Honouring Theatre – Canada

2006: Un Ocean d’Iles Fes - France

2005: Australian Pacific Arts Market – Adelaide

2005: The Dreaming Festival – Woodford Queensland

2005: Windmill Baby National Tour

2005: World Premiere – Subiaco Arts Centre