Media Release

Tuesday 26th February 2008
ILBIJERRI announces Rachael Maza Long as its new Artistic
Director.

Mr bryan Andy (President, Ilbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre Co-operative) is pleased to announce the appointment of the company’s new Artistic Director: Rachael
Maza Long.

Rachael Maza Long is a Yidinji (North Queensland) and Komet (Murray Island) woman, and brings extensive experience in theatre, film and television. Rachael is well known as a television presenter on SBS’s ICAM and ABC’s Message Stick, and for her stunning
performances in Radiance and in The Sapphires. She is currently performing as the narrator for Murunduk which is touring to the Sydney, Perth and Adelaide Festivals, and is directing Show Us Your Tiddas for Melbourne Workers Theatre at the Australian Performing Arts Market in Adelaide.

Rachael has a long history with Ilbijerri directing several seasons of Stolen and working as a Dramaturge and Director on the Victorian Indigenous Playwrights Conferences (VIPC).

Rachael received the 2003 "Uncle Bob Maza Memorial Award" for Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Indigenous Theatre at the Victorian Indigenous Performing Arts Awards.

In addition to her many years of acting, directing and dramaturgical experience, Rachael brings a strong passion and commitment to furthering Ilbijerri’s vision of creating an Indigenous brand of theatre that resonates with local, national and international audiences.

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Thursday, 24 January 2008
ILBIJERRI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre
presents

THE DIRTY MILE
A Dramatised Walking Trail through Indigenous Fitzroy

Ilbijerri kicks off its 2008 season with one if its strongest works - The Dirty Mile, the 2006 Deadly Award winning drama, performed in promenade style through the Aboriginal (and Torres Strait Islander) streets of Fitzroy from Saturday 23 February to Sunday 16 March 2008.

Here’s the chance to get to know Fitzroy’s profound Indigenous significance. From its Woiwurrung beginnings, Fitzroy was the centre of the Victorian Indigenous community as people moved from missions, came back from war, or sought family and work opportunities. As a result Fitzroy became the birthplace of many Aboriginal organisations and the hub for Indigenous advancement whether sporting, religious, political, social or cultural. The Dirty Mile walks through this rich history recognising the connection to the continuing street presence today.

The Dirty Mile is performed on the streets of Fitzroy in and around the renowned Gertrude Street. The walk takes you through the history of Aboriginal advancement as it relates to Fitzroy and the rest of the country. The combination of great costumes, significant locations, meaningful characters, and the use of real speeches and actual historical events, lets you see what it was like to really be there.

2006 audiences appreciated the humour, the storytelling, the innovative way of presenting this remarkable history and being able to deepen their understanding of Fitzroy’s continuing significance to Indigenous people.

Ilbijerri creates and presents theatre by Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander artists that challenges, connects and reaffirms Indigenous cultures.

Ilbijerri appreciates the financial support of Australia Council for the Arts, Department of Communication, Technology and the Arts, Department of Justice, City of Yarra, Arts Victoria, VicHealth and The City of Melbourne for this project.

Devised from a Creative Development by Kylie Belling, Gary Foley and John Harding
Based on an original concept by Lisa Bellear
Director Kylie Belling Production Designer Darryl Cordell
With Bryan Andy, Lionel Austin, Jacob Boehme, Janaya Charles, Joe Clements, LeRoy Parsons, Melodie Reynolds and Stan Yarramunua

Season - 23 February to 16 March
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7pm
Saturday and Sunday 2pm
Where: Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, commencing from the Exhibition Building at Nicholson Street.
How much: Tickets $30.00 and $20.00
What to do: Book through Malthouse Ticketing Service on (03) 9685 5111 or www. malthousetheatre.com.au