BIW A GITHALAY (The Crab and the Mangrove Tree) is a universal and interactive theatrical experience for children aged five and over.
BIW A GITHALAY tells a culturally significant story that is shared across the diaspora of Saibai communities in Cairns, Brisbane, Bamaga and Thursday Island. It is a children’s bedtime story told in two Torres Strait language translations of Kalaw Kawaw Ya and Torres Strait Creole, about the need for balance and harmony within the natural world. This story has been shared for generations but holds a powerful contemporary relevance with increasing climate change.
The work is a project for Community, driven and made by Community. How the project develops at every stage is decided by the Community with Cultural accountability from Elders. The project is guided by a strong community of Saibai Island mothers, aunties and grandmothers in collaboration with First Nations theatre industry professionals.
BIW A GITHALAY is supported by the Australian Government through the Indigenous Languages and Arts Program, Arts Queensland, Bamaga Productions, the Playking Foundation, and Annamila.
Creative and Cultural Team
- Location Facilitator Nancy Bamaga
- Script Consultant John Harvey
- Director/Facilitator Rachael Maza AO
- Senior Cultural Consultant Milton Walit
- Senior Cultural Consultant MacRose Elu
- Language and Protocol Consultant Leonora Adidi
- Sound Designer/Associate Producer Mayella Dewis
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