Tract in Review

We look back at ‘Tract,’ three works co-presented with ANAM on 2 & 3 September at Malthouse Theatre.

It’s always a cause for excitement when the Young Wagilak from Ngukurr NT come to town. This time it was to appear with the musicians of ANAM on works originally commissioned for the 2010 Adelaide Festival by Paul Grabowsky to feature the London Sinfonietta.

AAO viola player, Erkki Veltheim, on his composition ‘Tract’, has allowed the traditional manikay of the Young Wagilak to play out alongside his written score performed by the ANAM students.

‘Smoke’ by Paul Grabowsky was commissioned by ANAM and received its premiere. On John Rodger’s ‘Glass’ Scott Tinkler featured in a totally improvised, extended exploration of the trumpet.

Read The Australian’s review of the three works here.

The Young Wagilak (stone spear group) are leaders in the performance of Wagilak manikay or song cycles and dance. Based in Ngukurr they travel to outlying regions to perform at various ceremonies. Through their performances, they have allowed people further afield to learn about their culture while showing a way forward for young people wishing to engage with the traditions of the living Elders and their ancestors.