So Long Suckers is a first time cross-cultural, cross-art form colalboration between Yirra Yaakin and Bunuba Cultural Enterprises (Jandamarra). Incorporating original live music, movement and storytelling, So Long Suckers is provocative and powerful, exploring the destructive effects of alcohol on our communities.

You will meet Three Wise Men who are drunk, lost and handcuffed and don't know each other - prisoners in a Beckensian jail of sorts, haunted by the memories of three freedom fighters; Jandamarra, Yagan and Ned Kelly. They each chase down their identities and purposes, all the while sorting through their memories of oppression and of fighting back. As they go through this process they become themselves and their reality. But what exactly is their reality?

MC Dazaster from celebrated hip hop group Downsyde provides the live musical counterpoint to the staging, and with a spare set design and dance elements choreographed by Dalisa Pigram, principal dancer at Marregeku, this show is fast-paced, rich, full of symbolism, with elements of tragedy and great humour.

Venue Format
Theatre, Black Box Venue
Technical Rating
B
Touring Party
6
Considerations

There is some strong language content. There is smoke effects. The set consists of 7 frames containing 200 lengths of chain which are suspended from the lighting grid or fly bars. The Chains are DMX controllable through the lighting desk using Electromagnets.

A video of the complete show is available here: https://vimeo.com/170109728 Password: kaatijin

Please note: The weekly fee does not including touring costs (i.e. travel etc.). The intention is that these costs will be covered by funding if a tour is mounted.

Yirra Yaakin (Yir-raarh Yaarh-kin] which means “Stand Tall” in the Noongar language, is one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal performing arts organisations producing world-class theatre that is exciting, entertaining, educational, authentic and culturally appropriate.

Yirra Yaakin was established in 1993 as Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre, and more than twenty three years later, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company has evolved into a respected cultural leader and artistic hub for Aboriginal people from all over Western Australia, Australia, and around the world.

Our stories have reached 13 countries in five continents and we have won awards for our theatre, governance and our partnerships, including a prestigious Sidney Myer Award for our record of facilitating Indigenous artistic programs. The company has commissioned and premiered over 50 new theatre works. These include major Festival presentations such as Waltzing the Wilarra, One day in 67, Aliwah, Windmill Baby, and Cruel Wild Woman.

Yirra Yaakin has always had a broad education and community engagement program with a development base to ensure we continue to have Indigenous trainees working within the Australian theatre industry. Yirra Yaakin’s priority is to ensure Aboriginal theatre remains under Aboriginal control and keeps providing opportunities for Aboriginal artists at all levels of theatre creation and production.

Company Website
yirrayaakin.com.au

Unique Selling Point

So Long Suckers is a very unique look at the effects of alcohol on communities. With both Indigenous and non-Indigenous writing and actors, the shared humanity and challenges faced by both black and white communities grappling with the consequences of destructive alcohol use is challenging and thought provoking. Its slap-stick yet intelligent humor appeals to a range of theatre goers, whilst the lighting, spare set design and music provides the viewer with an immersive experience that is not quickly forgotten. The script is fast, tight and the ideas are thought provoking.

Marketing Materials

  • Marketing kit
  • Promotional footage (including promo videos)
  • Production images
  • Interviews
  • Education kit
  • Script

Community Engagement

The shows messages around misuse and abuse of alcohol are challenging and thought-provoking. Senior school groups have seen the show and engaged in Q&A's and workshops around the topic, and there is the potential for school incursions as follow up to the questions posed by the show. There is the potential for the show to have some traction and workshopping in Indigenous communities also, and an opportunity for community members to see the show and share their own stories about how alcohol has affected their community, which may promote healing.