The Torres Strait Islands: A Celebration opening weekend on Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July centres around a coming together of the community and the general public to enjoy performances, workshops, talks, food, culture and exhibitions highlighting the rich traditions and contemporary culture of the Torres Strait.

Major performances by visiting artists and groups from the Torres Strait come together with local community groups and contemporary performers to produce a diverse and engaging series of events staged over two days and multiple venues. Venues for the opening weekend celebrations include the Gallery of Modern Art, State Library of Queensland, Queensland Museum South Bank and QPAC.

The opening weekend celebrations for this collaborative project coincide with the 140th anniversary of the culturally significant 'Coming of the Light', with the arrival of the London Missionary Society in the Torres Strait in 1871.

Download a copy of the Torres Strait Islands: A Celebration opening weekend performance and events schedule.

The Cultural Centre partners extend sincere thanks to all of the artists, performers and local and visiting Torres Strait Islander community members for their valued support and contributions, which helped to develop the opening weekend program.

 

LOCAL PERFORMERS

The local Torres Strait Islander community has been heavily involved in the planning and production of the opening weekend celebrations. The Cultural Centre partners would especially like to thank the following artists who will be performing over the opening weekend:

Getano Bann (Brisbane)
Islanders from the Gold Coast
Kalmel Buai (Saibai/Brisbane)
Katau Kalkau Nangu Wakai (Brisbane)
Keriba Mabaigal (Erub/Brisbane)
Komet Kus Islands Dancers (Mer/Brisbane)
Koranga Saibai Kodhal Dance Group (Saibai/Brisbane)
Maisor Singers (Mer/Brisbane)
Malu Kaia Mura Buai (Boigu/Brisbane)
Malu Kaia Mura Buai junior group (Boigu/Brisbane)
Sounds of Ananya (Brisbane)
Wagga Dance Group (St Paul's Village, Moa/Brisbane)
Zillmere Warriors Choral Group (Brisbane)

Getano Bann
6.15pm Saturday 2 July – Cascade Court stage, QPAC
1:45pm Sunday 3 July – Maiwar Green stage

Narrator of life stories, Getano, born in Mackay, is a descendant of Chieftain Kebisu of Iama Island in the Central Torres Strait. He brings the experience of the islands, his family, and life as a dancer, singer, youth worker, community worker and music therapist to his performances.

Islanders from the Gold Coast Dance Group
11:45am Sunday 3 July – Maiwar Green stage

A traditional troupe referencing their Badu Island heritage, this Gold Coast based dance outfit comprise of members from the Oui, Lui, Nona & Bowie families to name a few. Formed in the last 4 years, their performance folio includes such events as Green Jam (South Bank, Brisbane) and Naidoc Week Celebrations (Musgrave Park, Brisbane).

Kalmel Buai Dance Group: Taking you back in time to the Ancestors of Saibai Island
2:00pm Saturday 2 July – Maiwar Green stage, QPAC

A dance troupe first established in August 2001 Kalmel Buai's foundations are based around the fundamental aspects of Knowledge, Awareness, Language, Multicultural, Education, Learning, Bridging, Unity, Ancestral, and Indigenous.

The artistry and craft work signifies the continuation of the ancestral generations from old to new.

The songs, the dance are sagas that have survived from their forefathers and flourished traditionally through their descendants for following generations. These sagas tell stories of actual events during the time of the their ancestors, marking significant milestones and important events.

From this rich history Kalmel Buai represent the gratitude and appreciation of the plight endured by their ancestors.

'Without art and craft, song and dance, the culture and history of Saibai Islanders would be a memory in an Elders dream soon forgotten.'

Katau Kalkau Nangu Wakai
4:15pm Sunday 3 July – Maiwar Green stage

Keriba Mabaigal Dance Group
12:45pm Saturday 2 July – Maiwar Green stage, QPAC

With roots based in Darnley Island (Erub) this local Brisbane group performs a series of traditional song & dance from the Torres Strait. Performers include Betha Stewart, Flora Cook, Edna Brown, Moureen Flauerty, Mary Rose Hampson, Stacey Ketchel and Maryanne Novick.

Komet Kus Island Dancers
4.00pm Saturday 2 July – Cascade Court stage,
QPAC 2.45pm Sunday 3 July – Cascade Court stage, QPAC

Brisbane northside dance group Komet Kus is a collective of Mer Islanders from the Eastern Torres Straits who share their rich culture and heritage through song and dance and which reflects the islander surroundings, lifestyles and spirituality. Consisting of young and energetic dancers who attempt to maintain their culture in an urban setting. The dancers are from the Komet Kus tribe of Mer and proudly represent their Meriam community.

Koranga Saibai Kodhal Dance Group
11:15am Sunday 3 July – Maiwar Green stage

A small dance group representing a portion of the local Khodal (crocodile) clan in Brisbane, the name Koranga references the sea eagle that watches over the Kodhal. Their performance style is that passed down by the late Carolus Isua (OAM).

Maisor Singers
2.00pm Sunday 3 July – Cascade Court stage, QPAC

Maisor is new and emerging acoustic trio based in Brisbane. Tyrone Day, Luke Captain and Joseph Tapau were all raised in traditional islander families, with a loveg of singing from an early age. The trio will melodically enchant you with their harmonies, fusing contemporary and traditional sounds that reflect their background as Mer Islanders. Maisor in the Meriam Mir language of Mer refers to the sounds of the wave crashing on the reef.

Malu Kiai Mura Baui
1.00pm Saturday 2 July – Cascade Court stage, QPAC
2.00pm Saturday 2 July (junior group) – Melbourne Street Green, QPAC
3.45pm Saturday 2 July (junior group) – Cascade Court stage, QPAC

Malu Kiai Mura Baui is a Torres Strait Islander dance group. Malu–Kiai is the traditional name given to the people of Boigu Island in the North–Western Torres Strait. Their songs and dances, based upon the everyday life of Torres Strait Islander people, have been passed from generation to generation. They first performed at World Expo 88 and have since performed at the Woodford Folk Festival, Out of the Box and NAIDOC Week celebrations and at schools.

Sounds of Ananya
12:30pm Sunday 3 July – Maiwar Green stage

Local performers sisters Gina and Danielle Reuben, with Georgia Corowa, and Robbie Mann come together as The Sounds of Ananya. All with extensive performance backgrounds, this vibrant vocal set will include opening and closing with traditional Torres Strait hymns and a range of covers.

Wagga Dance Group
2.30pm Saturday 2 July – Cascade Court stage, QPAC

As the first incorporated Torres Strait Islander dance company in Australia in the 1970s, the Wagga Dance Company originates from the village of St Paul's on Moa Island, Western Torres Strait, the birthplace of its founder Uncle Steve Mam.

Zillmere Warriors Choral Group
1.45pm Saturday 2 July – Cascade Court stage, QPAC

Zillmere Warriors are an awe-inspiring and diverse group of Indigenous singers, songwriters, entertainers and musicians whose collaboration of artistic ministry's merits them to being one of Brisbane's best and unique Gospel sounds of today, blending other musical genres and specialising in showcasing Indigenous Fusion. The group have performed at various community events and festivals such as NAIDOC Family Day, Musgrave Park, Indigenous War Veterans Commemoration, Kairos Prison Ministries, Reconciliation events and various Carols by Candle Light events.

Core members are Luke Captain, Robert Mann, Berniece Peeauakeau, Georgia Corowa, Ruth Ghee and Tony Ghee.

 

THAIWA DANCERS (IAMA/CAIRNS)

Dance is a primary form of artistic expression in the Torres Strait Islands. Zamiyakal (dance objects) are made to accompany performers in their enactments of important stories. They are articulated through the dancers anipulating a system of string pulleys to animate their narratives, adding visual excitement to already compelling performances.

The Thaiwa Dancers, originally from Iama and now based in Cairns, perform at 1.00pm Saturday (GoMA and Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage), 4.00pm Saturday (Queensland Museum) and 5.30pm Saturday (QPAC).

 

CYGNET REPU & BASALA YA KWAYA (MABUIAG)

Cygnet Repu is a singer, performer and community language consultant on Mabuiag. Formed in 2009 as a five–piece acapella choir, Basala Ya Kwaya explore the rich history of traditional and contemporary secular and sacred music. In addition to the Torres Strait Islands opening weekend, the Basala Ya Kwaya will also perform as part of the 2011 Queensland Music Festival on Thursday Island (5.30pm Sunday 17 July, live webcast to Cinema A, Gallery of Modern Art). Arrangements by Damian Barbeler, choir led by Cygnet Repu and trained by Alison Rogers as part of the Queensland Music Festival 2011.

Cygnet Repu and the Basala Ya Kwaya perform at the Official Opening, 10.30am Saturday (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage), 2.45pm Sunday (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage) and 4.15pm Sunday (QPAC).

 

URAB DANCERS (PORUMA)

The Urab dancers of Poruma showcase traditional dance and songs unique to Poruma and will offer an opportunity to learn some of these dances. Be a part of this amazing performance.

The Urab Dancers perform at 1.00pm and 2.00pm Saturday (Queensland Museum), 3.45pm Saturday (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage), and 10.00am, 11.00am, 1.00pm and 2.00pm Sunday (Queensland Museum).

 

SAAMKAREM ERA KODOMER DANCE TROOP (ERUB)

The Saamkarem Era Kodomer Dance Troop from Erub in the northeastern Torres Strait draws its name from the dark colour of the ocean. 'Era kodomer' means 'echoes from the deep sea', an area not to be confused with the Darnley Deeps. The troop perform and promote dances that are relevant to the land, sea and sky that surround the beautiful island of Erub. The Erub colours are black and yellow and the troop wears these colours to represent their island wherever they go.

The Saamkarem Era Kodomer Dance Troop perform at 3.15pm Saturday (QPAC), 4.15pm (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage) and 10.30am Sunday (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage).

 

DEEPEN THE CONVERSATION: ELMA KRIS AND PEGGY MISSI (BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE)

Join Torres Strait Islanders Elma Kris and Peggy Missi for a discussion around the creative process required to develop a new work, with a focus on Torres Strait Island culture, and accessibility of culture for audience members through contemporary and traditional dance forms.

1.30pm Saturday (State Library of Queensland).

 

SEAMAN DAN (WAIBEN/NGURUPAI)

Henry Gibson 'Seaman' Dan was born in 1929. His national and international reputation has earned Seaman Dan ARIA Awards for Best World Music Album (Perfect Pearl 2004 and Sailing Home 2009).

Seaman Dan performs at the Official Opening, 10.30am Saturday (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage) and 3.15pm Saturday (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage).

 

BUSBY MAROU (MER/CAIRNS)

Busby Marou is the work of Thomas Busby and Jeremy Marou, combining the melodies of traditional Mer songs and dances familiar to Jeremy, along with Thomas's distinct storytelling Style. Busby Marou's debut EP The Blue Road 2007 was recorded with Australian singer–songwriter Pete Murray and acclaimed producer Anthony Lycenko.

Busby Marou perform at 4.45pm Saturday (QPAC) and 3.30pm Sunday (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage).

 

MDW MAISO DANCE GROUP (MER)

Alick Passi and Dalton Cowley have been performing together since primary school, appearing at schools and events in Cairns, accompanied by singers John Barsa and Palai Noah. They have performed at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and Mabo Week Celebrations on Mer. They have also travelled to Brisbane and to the Cook Islands in the Pacific.

The Maiso Dancers perform at 2.30pm Saturday (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage), 1.00pm Sunday (Maiwar Green – Backing Indigenous Arts Stage), and 3.30pm Sunday (QPAC).

 

VOICES FOR THE LIGHT

Under the guidance of Choir Master Ruth Ghee, Voices for the Light will perform contemporary and traditional hymns and music from the Torres Strait in the Knowledge Walk, creating a harmonious landscape of language and music.

Voices for the Light commences at 5.30pm Saturday, State Library of Queensland.

 

ACTIVITES FOR KIDS

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM
Kids meet up! Island–style activities and workshops
10.00am – 3.00pm

Join Aunty Sarah Wapau and learn how to weave Torres Strait Island creatures such as fish and birds from palm leaves. Discover more about the Torres Strait Islands. Make your own special animal or read stories about these amazing creatures.

 

STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND
The Corner Goes Strait Home
10.00am – 12 noon

Come on a journey to the far northern tip of Queensland, jumping off from the Cape into the islands of the Torres Strait. Hop into your tinnie and navigate tropical waters, drift through stories and discover the magic of myths and legends. For under eights, their parents, carers and friends.

QPAC
1.00 – 3.30pm

Smilar Sinak will run a variety of activities for children, including sit down dancing and games. During the afternoon, Aunty Edna Billy and Aunty Sarah Wapau will be demonstrating weaving from the Torres Strait and Aunty Babai Nagai and Peter Nagai (Warups & Thrums) will be demonstrating drum–making.

GALLERY OF MODERN ART

Through a companion art trail to the ‘Land, Sea and Sky’ exhibition, children will travel the islands of the Torres Strait, collecting objects and knowledge as they learn about the diverse traditions and cultural relevance of the land, sea and sky for Torres Strait Islander people.

 

FOOD STALLS

On Saturday 2 July, the Maiwar Green will feature a large kupmauri (earth oven), organised by Cultural Centre precinct staff and led by the local Mabuiag Islander community, to provide food for visitors to the opening weekend.

 

COMMUNITY STALLS

Amy Rodger–Clarke
A Brisbane based artisan, Amy will host an arts & craft stall consisting of hand made jewellery, printed T-shirts, bags & other Torres Strait wears.

CDA Balas Designs
A creation of Shannon Cedar & family. CDA Balas Designs main focus is creating a range of fashionable, good quality products. Specialising in Torres Strait Island wear including baby Clothing through to Adults Casual, Dress & Sports wear. Website – http://www.cda-balas.com/

 

TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS

Deepen the conversation: Elma Kris and Peggy Missi (Bangarra)
1:30pm Saturday 2 July – State Library of Queensland

Join Torres Strait Islanders Elma Kris and Peggy Missi for a discussion around the creative process that is required to develop a new work, with a focus on Torres Strait Island culture, accessibility of culture for audience members through contemporary and traditional dance forms.

Journey of the Light
11.30am – 12.30pm Sunday 3 July – kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland

The Coming of the Light festival marks the day the London Missionary Society first arrived in Torres Strait. The missionaries landed at Erub Island on 1 July 1871, introducing Christianity to the region. This conversation with community elders provides insight into the history of 'the light' and its journey through the Torres Straits.

Torres Strait tomorrow
3.00 – 4.30pm Sunday 3 July – kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland

Exploring the themes of tomorrow, young leaders of the Torres Strait Island community will talk about their hopes, dreams and visions for the Torres Straits.

 

ARTIST TALKS

To complement the outdoor performance program held over the Torres Strait Islands opening weekend, visitors to the Gallery of Modern Art will encounter a range of exhibiting artists in the 'Land, Sea and Sky' exhibition sharing the stories of their works and culture through talks, discussions and artist performances.

Thaiwa Dancers ceremonial performance
1.00pm Saturday 2 July – Gallery of Modern Art

Dance is a primary form of artistic expression in the Torres Strait. Zamiyakal (dance objects) are made to accompany performers in their enactments of important stories. They are articulated through the dancers manipulating a system of string pulleys to animate their narratives, adding visual excitement to already compelling performances.

Segar Passi artist talk
2.00pm Saturday 2 July – Gallery of Modern Art

Senior artist Segar Passi talks about his life as an artist and about growing up and living on Mer (Murray) Island.

Artist discussion – 'Mainland'
3.00 – 4.00pm Saturday 2 July – Gallery of Modern Art

This program explores the Torres Strait Island diaspora, through a discussion with exhibiting artists of Torres Strait Islander heritage who live and work in mainland Australian cities. This discussion, led by Julie Ewington, Curatorial Manager, Australian Art, will feature artists Destiny Deacon, Douglas Watkin, Kevin O'Brien and Ricardo Idagi. No bookings necessary, however, seating is limited.

Rosie Barkus artist talk12 noon Sunday 3 July – Gallery of Modern Art

Rosie Barkus, artist, designer and printer based on Thursday Island, shares the background to her marine-focused works.

Solomon Booth artist talk
12.45pm Sunday 3 July – Gallery of Modern Art

From Moa Island, Solomon Booth shares the process of creating his work Coconut palm 2010.

Ken Thaiday artist talk
1.30pm Sunday 3 July – Gallery of Modern Art

Ken Thaiday from Erub (Darnley Island) is a skilled composer and choreographer who makes a variety of sculptural pieces connected with dance.

Alick Tipoti artist talk
2.15pm Sunday 3 July – Gallery of Modern Art

The subject matter in Alick Tipoti's prints highlights the artist's passion for the stories of his ancestors, particularly those of Badu Island, told by his father and other elders, stories about sea creatures, headhunters, religious beliefs and life in the old days, before colonisation.

Curator’s tour: Our story, your story: Awakening – Stories from the Torres Strait
1.30pm Saturday 2 July – Level 2, Queensland Museum 11.30am and 1.30pm Sunday 3 July – Level 2, Queensland Museum

Come on a journey with our Cultures and Histories curators to explore 'Awakening: Stories from the Torres Strait', a unique exhibition about the rich and diverse culture of the Torres.

Curator's talk: Awakenings – Legacies of the Alfred Haddon Collections from the Torres Strait
12 noon Sunday 3 July – Queensland Museum

Dr Anita Herle is Senior Curator at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge. Since 1998 she has published numerous articles and edited books on Torres Strait art and kastom, and the early history of anthropology at Cambridge.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Queensland Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame induction
1.30 – 2.30pm Sunday 3 July – The Studio, Level 1

Join Indigenous Sport Queensland as they launch the online Queensland Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame and induct Australian basketball legend and Torres Strait Islander Danny Morseu. Joining the honour roll with Artie Beetson, Darby McCarthy, Lloyd McDermott, Eddie Gilbert, Ron Richards, Edna Crouch and Mabel Campbell, come and meet Danny and discuss the achievements of all eight amazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander men and women who produced some amazing sporting feats and in the process etched their name in to history as true champions.