Event description
Wiradjuri director-choreographer Daniel Riley evokes an immensely powerful and personal story of his Great-Great Uncle, Alec “Tracker” Riley.
Alec, a Wiradjuri Elder and tracker, served the New South Wales Police Force for 40 years, leading numerous high-profile cases. As an Elder of his community he forged a path between the enforced colonial system in which he worked and his Wiradjuri lore. Tracker takes inspiration from his legacy and examines the battles First Nations people have shared for generations.
Weaving together dance, music and text, Tracker invites the audience into an open and transformative ceremonial space. This remarkable story is brought to life by a team of celebrated First Nations creatives, including award-winning playwright Ursula Yovich, co-director Rachael Maza AM, composers James Henry and Gary Watling, visual artist Jonathan Jones, lighting designer Chloe Ogilvie and an all-First Nations cast.
Culturally rich and ambitiously original, this multidisciplinary work rethinks how we engage with and experience First Nations storytelling.
Doors Open from 7:00 PM
CO-DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER
Daniel Riley (Wiradjuri)
CO-DIRECTOR
Rachael Maza AM (Yidinji, Meriam Mer)
WRITER
Ursula Yovich (An-Burra)
SET DESIGNER
Jonathan Jones (Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi)
COMPOSER AND SOUND DESIGNER
James Henry (Yuwaalaraay, Yorta Yorta)
COMPOSER AND LIVE MUSICIAN
Gary Watling (Wiradjuri)
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Chloë Ogilvie (Yamatji)
COSTUME DESIGNER
Ailsa Paterson
SCENIC ARTIST
Merindah Funnel (Wiradjuri)
PERFORMERS
Rika Hamaguchi (Yawuru)
Ari Maza-Long (Yidinji, Meriam Mer)
Daniel Riley (Wiradjuri)
Kaine Sultan-Babij (Arrente)
DRAMATURGS
Amy Sole (Wiradjuri)
Jennifer Medway
PROJECT ELDERS
Aunty Shirley Matthew
Aunty Ann Cribb
WIRADJURI LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR
Aunty Dianne Riley McNaboe
PRODUCER
Erin Milne
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Simon Greer
STAGE MANAGER
Lyndie Li Wan Po
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
Government of South Australia: Department for Premier and Cabinet
Australia Council for the Arts
Australian Government: Major Festivals Initiative
Australian Government: RISE Fund
Creative Victoria
Dubbo Regional Council
SPONSORED BY
ILBIJERRI Theatre Company
Bureau of Works
Arts House
Besen Family Foundation
Annamila
Image © Jonathan VDK