Presented by Laycock Street Community Theatre, in association with Musica Viva Australia
Women of Song is an innovative new show, developed by the acclaimed Jessie Lloyd (of Mission Songs Project) including themes of intergenerational practices, singing on and from country, commitment to community, and preserving knowledge in song. It’s an intimate celebration of the ‘here and now’ of Indigenous culture, a rare mix of spontaneous conversation and songs, exploring the modern-day practice and living heart of the ‘world’s oldest living culture’.
The audience listens in as three First Nations singers have a conversation – Jessie Lloyd, Merinda Schreiber and Dyagula. Someone’s story may remind someone else of a song, or a favourite popular song might start a discussion among them all. Each conversation and each performance will be unique, as the women explore live on stage how their songs preserve the social, cultural, or environmental shifts of a community, and deepen connections to country, genealogy, and custom.
Jessie Lloyd (Creative Producer)
A composer, performer and creative entrepreneur, Jessie Lloyd is a songkeeper of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and is dedicated to the continuation of song traditions through the presentation of stories and songs.
Merindi Schreiber
Merindi is of Kuku Yalanji, English, Irish descent. As a multidisciplinary artist, Merindi’s creative strength and passion is centred around bringing songs, stories, language and culture to our babies and children. Merindi’s artistic practice is grounded with a deep connection to her mother’s land, Kuku Yalanji (Mossman, North Queensland). Language, culture and history through song, Merindi’s Bama resonance and soulful, easy-listening mixes echo her passion to educate and empower through the creative song expression. Her involvement in various community initiatives and performances have included festivals, gatherings, events, corporate functions and school-based programs.(https://www.qpac.com.au/engage/first-nations/sparks)
Dyagula
Dyagula (which means ‘lyrebird’ in Wiradjuri) is a Wiradjuri Ngunawal Song Woman born in Yass, NSW, and an established multi-genre vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer and vocal producer and vocal arranger.