Jamaylya Ballangarry-Kearins and Maurice Sailor are travelling the Cape with JUTE Theatre’s touring program. Photo: Mimi Tannaka
A GROUP of Indigenous actors are daring Cape York youth to dream with a touring show that’s heading to Weipa next week (May 29 to June 2) and Lockhart River later in June (June 12 to 16).
Actors Maurice Sailor, whose family hails from Thursday Island, and Djabugay woman Jamaylya Ballangarry-Kearins, along with tour manager Serena Thompson form the all-Indigenous crew taking JUTE Theatre’s Dare to Dream touring program to the Cape this year.
“It’s the first time for me to visit the communities I pass through while driving to Bamaga,” Mr Sailor said.
“I’m playing four different characters in the play, which is challenging but great fun.
The messages in the play are important and the activities we conduct are transformative; I hope I can be a positive role model for young kids in the community.”
Ms Ballangarry-Kearins said for her a “huge part” of being Bama was making connections with her people.
Jamaylya Ballangarry-Kearins and Maurice Sailor are travelling the Cape with JUTE Theatre’s touring program. Photo Gaby Thomasz
“I’ve never been to these remote communities before, so that’s important to me,” she said.
“Being a part of something like Dar to Dream, which is making an impact everywhere we go, is exciting and really fulfilling.”
The trio will be presenting I Gut this Feeling, a clever, funny play that engages and educates the audience about the theme of staying safe. Dare to Dream is in Weipa until June 2, and will be in Lockhart River from June 12 to 16.
The crew will hold daily workshop sessions with students, culminating in an end-of-week showcase in each community.
