QPAC

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

Make a booking

$10

1 hour

no interval, subject to change without notice

Guided by First Nations musicians, students will explore how song becomes a voice for truth and transformation – investigating stories of colonialism, the Stolen Generations, and resilience.

Through this exploration, students gain insight into how First Nations musicians and songwriters continue to practice and revitalise their cultures, and how historical and contemporary events have shaped them and the stories they share. They also learn about the significant contributions of First Nations Australians to Australian identity and how these contributions are acknowledged locally, nationally, and globally.

Curriculum Links

The Arts Curriculum V9.0

AC9AMU8E01: Listen to and evaluate how elements of music are manipulated by composers to draw attention to social issues or values — for example, protest songs, nationalistic music, or songs exploring identity and belonging.
AC9ADR8E02: Investigate the diversity of drama created and/or performed by First Nations Australians, considering culturally responsive approaches to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights.

English V9.0

AC9E10LE06: Compare the “voice” of protest in a range of poems or songs and evaluate how different voices evoke a response.
AC9LIT10U03: Examine the language of specific texts (e.g. protest songs, graffiti) to identify how language is used for social commentary.

Senior Syllabuses
The Arts General Subjects

Specific Senior Curriculum Links

Music: Unit 2 – Identities
Drama: Unit 1 -Stories and Unit 3 -Challenge

Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

English: Students explore Aboriginal cultural knowledge, traditions, and experiences as represented and communicated through traditional, modern, and contemporary texts.
The Arts: Students learn about the distinctiveness and diversity of First Nations Australians’ cultural practices and artistic expressions, which represent unique ways of being, knowing, thinking, and doing. They examine how First Nations artists use materials, forms, and technologies in innovative ways to celebrate culture, challenge perspectives, and communicate ideas.

Learning Outcomes

Students can identify

identify themes and purposes in protest songs
discuss how musical choices strengthen meaning
articulate an issue or idea they care about
begin planning lyrics and musical style for a protest song (if desired).

Learning Resources

Songs of Protest - Learning Guide AT QPAC

Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit

Years 10 - 12

Workshop: $10 per student
Teachers do not require tickets

This workshop can also be delivered in-classroom. If you would like to host a workshop at your school, please contact our Education Manager on education@qpac.com.au to discuss workshop availability and suitability.

The Playhouse Visual and Sensory Guide [PDF, 2 MB] provides information on what you can expect while visiting QPAC.

Artists and Facilitators

Taitu’uga Kitchener Wesche

Music | Performer | Songwriter

With over 20 years of experience as a musician, performer, and songwriter, Taitu’uga has showcased his talents across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Canada, building an international presence. As a recognised beatboxer, he collaborates with world-class DJs, guest MCs, and host writers, captivating audiences globally with his art.

In addition to his cultural leadership and community work, he has received recognition for his contributions to the arts, including performances at TEDx Brisbane, prestigious theatres, and renowned festivals such as “Yonda Festivals Like We Meet Under” and sold out theatre show at Metro Arts. He won the 2024 World Music Award.

Mayella Dewis-Koroi

Creative Producer | Musician

Mayella Dewis‑Koroi is a proud First Nations Creative Producer with heritage from Boigu, Mer, and St Pauls Islands, and Wuthathi Country (Shelburne Bay).

She currently leads Community and First Nations engagement at Brisbane Festival and has held producing roles with ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and APAM.

A musician and cultural producer, Mayella specialises in delivering artist‑driven, culturally safe performance projects that elevate Indigenous voices across Australia and the Torres Strait.

QPAC's Creative Learning Program