A collaboration so incredible it should be a national and international tour
Presented by Iwiri, Electric Fields and SA First Nations Dance Collective
Reviewed 20th February 2020
Let’s discuss the mind-blowing performance that was Inma. There are, literally, no words to accurately describe how incredible this show was. Whoever came up with the idea to put all of these people on the same stage together deserves so many more accolades than I can give in a review. To hear songs in language; to see such powerful dances; and to have Electric Fields putting their modern twist on the sound was downright the most powerful and enjoyable 50mins of my life. This is the joy the world needs right now and if this is the return to live music we can expect then what a return it is. I was actually quite sad to learn that this was a one night show because it is definitely something I would have gone to every night with multitudes of people and I believe it would have sold out every night as the hottest show at the Fringe for 2021.
A focus of the set was songs that spoke to the strength of women and culture sung by the Iwiri choir, which is made up of members from communities within the APY lands who maintain a strong connection to Country through Iwiri a member-based Aboriginal Corporation for Anangu (Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara people) who live in Adelaide. Electric Fields’ Zaachariaha Fielding is from Mimili in the APY Lands which makes this collaboration extra special and producer Michael Ross brings the music together. Particular songs are accompanied by beautifully choreographed dances from the SA First Nations Dance Collective. Song of the night has to go to From Little Things Big Things Grow, a cover of Kev Carmody and Paul Kelly’s classic about the Wave Hill walk-off – hands down a live event moment that will not be forgotten. Matched with a dance that can only be described as raw and breathtakingly beautiful, there was not a dry eye in the house when it was performed, and a thunderous standing ovation as it ended nicely summed up the power of this show.
Everyone involved should be so proud of how Deadly this show was and that language and culture are strong because of you. If you missed the show search Electric Fields, Pukulpa which was performed at the show and is one of my favs on their 2016 album Inma. Iwiri choir can be viewed on the vimo clip ROOTS TOUR_YULARA_2020. Experience for yourselves the power that songs in language have.
Reviewed by Tara Forbes-Godfrey
Season Ended – One Night Only
Rating out of 5: 5
More News
