A production titled 'Guuranda,' featuring the stories and cultural heritage of the Narungga people of South Australia, has made its way to Chennai, India. This cross-cultural endeavor marks the first time the Narungga language is being presented on a stage in India. The event, a collaboration between Australian and Indian entities, unfolded in Anna Nagar's Tower Park, utilizing a water body as a backdrop for the performances.
The production merges traditional Narungga narratives with contemporary performance arts, including choir music, shadow puppetry, and dance. The performances were designed to be participatory, inviting audience members to engage directly with the storytelling and cultural elements, such as a dance around an emu puppet. This approach aimed to foster a deeper connection and shared experience between the artists and the attendees.
The collaboration involves Jacob Boehme, an award-winning theatre person and choreographer from the Narungga and Kaurna Nations, alongside KM Music Conservatory and Shreya Nagarajan Singh Arts Development Consultancy from Chennai. The puppetry elements were contributed by B Muthuchandran’s Tholpaavai Koothu Group.
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'Guuranda' itself is the Narungga name for the Yorke Peninsula, the ancestral land from which the performance draws its stories and inspiration. The production delves into the lives, land, and the journey of the Narungga people, particularly within the context of a colonial world. This focus on storytelling across generations and cultural divides is highlighted as a means to foster reconnection in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.
"In a world that often feels divided and chaotic, sharing stories, language and music across cultures can help people reconnect."
The project also positions itself as a potential model for future sustainable international touring of First Nations performances. It emphasizes community engagement and an environmentally conscious approach to touring, minimizing reliance on extensive freight and infrastructure. The performance was scheduled across several days, including an internationally live-streamed event, further broadening its reach.
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The performances were held outdoors, reflecting the tradition of presenting works in nature on Narungga country. The choir at the KM Music Conservatory underwent training in the Narungga language, songs, and cultural context to accurately represent the material.
"It's a powerful cross-cultural collaboration that arrived in Chennai."
The event seeks to create a "vibrant conversation" and a "dance of ancient echoes," aiming for a profound impact on those who witness it. The producers noted that Chennai audiences possess a strong culture of engagement, making the city a fitting location for this participatory artistic endeavor. The intention behind the exchange is described as a process of mutual discovery and revelation about identities and interconnectedness with land.
The performances featured an "ethereal choir," shadow puppets, dance, and depictions of animals, all staged within the natural setting of Tower Park. This integration of nature with the performance was a deliberate choice, as stated by producer Shreya Nagarajan Singh.
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"This ceremonial work – which will be shared across three days of participatory public performances, as well as an internationally livestreamed performance – will mark the first time that the Narungga language will be performed in India…"
The production is described as more than a passive viewing experience, suggesting an immersive quality that draws the audience into the narrative and the cultural exploration.
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