Gunawarra Re-creation: Taun Wurrung Playwright Reframes Black Swan Creation Myth
Isobel Morphy-Walsh, a playwright from the Taun Wurrung community, is presenting her work, "Gunawarra Re-creation," at Melbourne's Southbank Theatre until July 11. This innovative production, directed by Andrea James from the Yorta Yorta and Gunaikurnai nations, explores the black swan tale of the Kulin Nations. The choreography is crafted by Zoë Brown-Holten of the (Th)Dunghutti and Gomeroi heritage. The ensemble features Miela Anich, Melodie Reynolds-Diarra, Lisa Maza, and Hannah Morphy-Walsh. Following its initial debut in 2024, the play will also perform at the Geelong Arts Centre on July 17-18 and at Brisbane’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre from August 5-8.
Key facts
- Play by Taun Wurrung playwright Isobel Morphy-Walsh
- Directed by Yorta Yorta and Gunaikurnai director Andrea James
- Choreography by (Th)Dunghutti and Gomeroi choreographer Zoë Brown-Holten
- Cast includes Miela Anich, Melodie Reynolds-Diarra, Lisa Maza, Hannah Morphy-Walsh
- Costume and set design by Dann Barber
- Lighting by Katie Sfetkidis, sound by James Henry
- First staged in 2024 as part of Blak in the Room triptych
- Co-produced by Ilbijerri Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company
- Originally directed by Yidinji and Meriam director Rachel Maza
- Runs at Southbank Theatre, Melbourne until 11 July
- Tours to Geelong Arts Centre 17-18 July and Queensland Performing Arts Centre 5-8 August
Entities
Artists
- Isobel Morphy-Walsh
- Andrea James
- Zoë Brown-Holten
- Miela Anich
- Melodie Reynolds-Diarra
- Lisa Maza
- Hannah Morphy-Walsh
- Dann Barber
- Katie Sfetkidis
- James Henry
- Rachel Maza
Institutions
- Ilbijerri Theatre Company
- Melbourne Theatre Company
- Southbank Theatre
- Geelong Arts Centre
- Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Geelong
- Brisbane