Mission Songs Project

Presented by HotHouse Theatre in association with Performing Lines

Originally programed as part of the 2020 Season, Mission Songs Project brings together local performers, a community choir and the inimitable Jessie Lloyd in this uplifting night of song and stories.

Searching for the secular songs that were sung after church, Jessie Lloyd explores the day to day life on the missions, settlements and reserves, through music.

Through intimate storytelling, moving harmonies and historical insights, Mission Songs Project takes audiences on a musical journey across Australia.

Performed by an extraordinary trio of Indigenous singers, Lloyd unearths almost forgotten stories that illuminate the history of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders, families, and communities. Using humour and truth, they share the voices of Elders as they would around a warm campfire or kitchen table.

Celebrate with us as our four local songwriters, supported by a choir of local Community members, take to the stage with the inimitable Jessie Lloyd to share stories of our region, through song.

“…profoundly moving… the entire collection is sublime.” – The Australian

“Islander rhythms, campfire country and defiant humour celebrate simple joys. Melancholy ballads chart a journey of blood, sweat and tears… you’ll almost hear the kettle boil as a closing home recording of the Elders invites us to sit down with these unsung survivors.” – Sydney Morning Herald

PERFORMERS AND CREATIVE TEAM

CREATOR: Jessie Lloyd

FEATURING: Aunty Valda Murray, Racheal Oak Butler, Aaron Perkins-Kemp-Berger and Bobby Whybrow

Duration 65 minutes, no interval Content advice Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patrons are advised that this production may contain images and voices of people who have died. Suitability 12 years +