Opera Queensland
A transaction fee of $7.20 applies.
2 hours 20 minutes
(including interval, subject to change without notice)
Straight from the Strait
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that content on this page may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.
WORLD PREMIERE AT BRISBANE FESTIVAL 2024
On May 8 1968, a group of remarkable Torres Strait Island workers on the vast expanse of the Mount Newman railway construction project shattered world records as they laid down an astonishing 7km of track in a single day, an unparalleled feat that still stands unchallenged. At the heart of their extraordinary achievement is the power of song – songs that are unique to Australia, that tell a passionate and inspiring story.
Straight from the Strait pays homage to the extraordinary stories of these Torres Strait Island men and women who ventured far from their homes in pursuit of employment on the mainland. Amid the gruelling labour, they discovered a sense of camaraderie that transcended boundaries. Their sweat and toil laid the foundation for Australia's emergence as an industrial nation, a legacy now interwoven within the nation's identity.
This production reverberates with the power of song, a harmonious fusion of traditional Torres Strait music and contemporary melodies. Through the vibrant ancestral languages like Meriam Mir, Kala Lagaw Ya and Torres Strait Creole combined with English language and the backbeat of a contemporary band, it tells a tale that pulses with passion and inspiration.
Developed through collaboration and consultation with the Yumpla Nerkep Foundation and Torres Strait Islander artists, Elders, and communities, this project is led by a team of First Nations creatives, performers, musicians, and cultural advisors.
Thu 29 Aug 2024, 6:00 PM & Fri 30 Aug 2024, 6:00 PM & Sat 31 Aug 2024, 12:30 PM
Free performance talk will commence 1 hour before each performance noted on the 29, 30 and 31 August, and will last approximately 25 minutes. The talk will take place inside the Playhouse Lounge.
Language
Straight from the Strait is performed in Meriam Mir, Kala Lagaw Ya, Torres Strait Creole, English.
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Accessibility at QPAC
For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through our Call Centre by calling 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility .
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Presented by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation, QPAC, in association with Brisbane Festival.
Cultural Advisors Ruth Ghee, Tony Ghee (Eastern Islands), George Bagiri, Norah Bagiri (Western & Central Islands).
This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and the Torres Strait Regional Authority.
We acknowledge the First Peoples of the lands on which we create and the islands and other places from which the stories in this project originate. We pay our respects to their ancestors and Elders and celebrate our shared future. We also acknowledge the many Torres Strait Island families and artists who have generously contributed to this project.
Writer/Co-Librettist
Composer/Co-Librettist
Director
Choreographer
Assistant Choreographer
Set Design
Costume & Assistant Set Designer
Cultural Advisors
Cleopatra Pryce
Edward Lampton
Georgia Corowa
Gertrude Benjamin
Ghenoa Gela
Harold Pascoe
Jalen Sutcliffe
Joseph Tapau
Kani Puru
Marcus Corowa
Maurice Sailor
Paul Isakara Williams
Vaughan Wapau
Zane Lemusu
Zeek Power
