I Am Eora

Walking into the beautiful Carriageworks space and smelling the burning eucalyptus leaves stimulates the senses – and this performance uses all of them to tell the story of I Am Eora. It means ‘people from here’, which is what this Sydney Festival production is all about: it makes you question where you fit into the landscape.

Wesley Enoch has created a work that draws on the indigenous history of Sydney and in particular the tribes of the Pemulwuy, Barangaroo and Bennelong areas. “How do tell a historical story without being too literal? How can we be inspired (by history) instead of being locked into it?” he asks.

We all know the difficulties faced by the indigenous communities over the generations and how tough it has been for them, but this production is presented in such a way – using animation, dance, song and acting – that it gives a different dimension to that saga, a dimension that invokes thought and a level of compassion and respect for the ancient traditions.

The story is broken up into three distinct stages, each representing the various tribes. The first tribe is the Pemulwuy. Their tale goes into the violent history of the indigenous community but also the difficulties they face within themselves and the loss of interest in history and a sense of belonging.

The Barangaroo tribe symbolises communication and language and how it is told through the generations. Finally, Bennelong is about community and where the various individuals who make up this play fit into the overall picture of society.

“I Am Eora for me is as much about the roots but also the branches and the aspirational,” states Wesley.

Stephen Curtis has designed a huge set that encompasses the entire space of Carriageworks. To appreciate the amount of effort and care that has gone into the development of this work it’s advisable you view this production up the back of the auditorium, so you can take in the entire landscape without missing various aspects.

I Am Eora is a giant stage play using all forms of story telling. From the soft chanting when you first arrive to the animation that takes your imagination back to a time when this land was run by the Gadigal people, from the projection of the inaugural speech of the first indigenous member for parliament to the singing of an indigenous band, this performance takes you on a journey of the indigenous history of Sydney.

Don’t get me wrong: this is not the same old tale about the difficulties the indigenous community has faced since white settlement. It is a story about where you fit into the community that is Sydney.

3.5 out of 5 stars

I Am Eora
Directed and Created by Wesley Enoch
Co-Writer: Anita Heiss
Associate Director/Choreographer: Yolande Brown
Set, Projection and Costume Design: Stephen Curtis

CarriageWorks, Everleigh
Until January 14, 2012
Bookings: carriageworks.com.au