Creativity , technology and culture
4 .
Exploring best practice for First Peoples ’ language revitalisation through artistic practice
The problem
More than 250 Australian First Peoples ’ languages , including 800 dialects , were spoken on the continent prior to European invasion . The harsh policing of First Peoples ’ culture and language due to colonialism has eroded language legacies . Today , only approximately 13 Australian First People ’ s languages are spoken by enough young people to sustain them into the future .
Our solution
First Peoples ’ theatre plays an important role in the revitalisation of languages , says Dr Liza-Mare Syron from UNSW ’ s School of the Arts & Media . Developing new works by First Peoples for First Peoples promotes the strong connections between First Nations ’ cultural heritage , language and performance practice .
Dr Liza-Mare Syron , a Birrbay woman , researches First Peoples ’ performing arts training and practice , including best practice for revitalising languages through theatre . A director , actor , teacher and dramaturge , her practice-led research pivots around the statement “ nothing about us , without us ”,
More on this story
reclaiming First Peoples ’ agency , identity and subjectivity through their creative leadership .
Liza-Mare is a UNSW Indigenous Scientia Fellow and a co-founder of Moogahlin Performing Arts ( Moogahlin ), NSW ’ s leading First Peoples ’ performing arts company , based on Gadigal land . She collaborates with First Peoples ’ theatre companies and practitioners around the world to develop new First Peoples ’ stories and promote a dialogue of knowledge and cultural exchange .
Moogahlin and Aanmitaagzi , based in Nipissing , Turtle Island ( Canada ), collaborated on Ngapa Yaan Niibi Aanmitaagz ( Water Speaks ) which debuted at rīvus , the Biennale of Sydney ( 2022 ). The digital work was developed through creative exchange , weaving stories of the mundaguddah rainbow serpent , and the Serpent People , spoken in both Murrawarri and Northern Cree language .
Moogahlin ’ s festivals also provide platforms for sharing language and culture through new works : Yellamundie Festival ( national ), Baimame ’ s Ngunngu ( regional NSW ), Koori Gras ( with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras ), and Moogahl Live ( digital ).