In 2017, over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders were invited to the National Constitutional Convention at Uluru. The Uluru Statement from the Heart was formed and presented as an invitation to the nation. Elizabeth and I were invited by The Song Company to respond to it. We asked the Company’s vocalists to participate and co-create this response, and then invited an audience to witness and experience this exchange. That’s how we see it – like a chain of receiving and offering invitation. No one speaks for anyone other than themselves, while understanding that these individual perspectives are invaluable. It is a process of Dadirri from start to finish – of deep listening, care and respect.
Sonya Holowell and Elizabeth Sheppard. Photo © Sarah Thompson.
The commission moved me to dig deeper into the meaning and significance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. This research, which has included many enlightening conversations with Elizabeth, sparked ideas for my compositions. There were certain key words, phrases and concepts which stayed with me and these became provocations to which I responded. I also allowed my usual process of free...
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