Hecate
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
Hecate is the Noongar language adaptation of Macbeth, the first Shakespearean work to be performed entirely in an Aboriginal language from Australia. The only other Australian work to date with an all-Indigenous cast prior to Hecate, The Shadow King (2013) was presented in English and a pan-Indigenous melange of other languages. Prior Shakespearean productions featuring Aboriginal actors were presented solely in English, evoking Spivak’s ideas around Indigenous peoples acquiring power via mastery of colonial texts (1990), but not engaging with Aboriginal languages and performance practices to anywhere near the scale of Hecate. Three innovative methods were employed to address the question of how to present a full-scale Shakespearean work into a critically endangered language.
Research Contribution
While Hecate is not unique in its use of Shakespeare as a vehicle for language revitalisation (Dionne and Kapadia 2008), it is unprecedented in its development of: bespoke workshops to train Aboriginal actors to learn and perform in their ancestral language; a song repertoire to assist in language-learning and form an integral part of the resulting production, and; a translated and adapted script in a endangered language (Noongar) based on applied linguistics, reconstruction and principles of community development (Bell 2013). As co-translator, musical director and composer, my contribution was integral to the production’s success.Bell, J. 2013. Language Attitudes and Language Revival/Survival. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development 34(4): 399-410.Dionne, C. and P. Kapadia (eds.). 2008. Native Shakespeares: Indigenous appropriations on a global stage. Burlington: Ashgate Publishing Ltd.Spivak, G. 1990. The Post-colonial Critic ed. S. Harasym. New York and London: Routledge.
Research Significance
Hecate elicited constant standing ovations, positive reviews and invitations to tour internationally.
Keywords
[RSTDPub], theatre, play, performance, music, composition, Shakespeare, Noongar, Macbeth, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, translation, language, aboriginal, indigenous
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Output Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Contributor's Note
Artistic Credits: Translators: Kylie Bracknell [Kaarljilba Kaardn] & Dr Clint Bracknell Editor/Senior Language Consultant: Roma Yibiyung Winmar Cultural Consultants: Judy Bone & Mitchella Hutchins Set & Costume Designer: Zoë Atkinson Lighting Designer: Mark Howett Composer/Musical Director/Sound Designer: Dr Clint Bracknell Movement Director: Janine Oxenham Dramaturg: Kate Mulvany Stage Manager: Sue Fenty Deputy Stage Manager: Jennifer Poh Assistant Stage Manager: Levi Widnall Bell Shakespeare Consultants & Associate Directors: James Evans & Peter Evans Cast: Bobbi Henry | Cezera Critti-Schnaars | Della Rae Morrison | Kyle J Morrison | Mark Nannup | Trevor Ryan | Maitland Schnaars | Ian Wilkes | Rubeun Yorkshire Image: Eva Fernandez
Publication Title
Perth Festival 2020
School
Kurongkurl Katitjin
RAS ID
35631
Event Venue
Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Western Australia
Director
Kylie Bracknell [Kaarljilba Kaardn]
Duration
90 mins
Comments
Bracknell, K., Bracknell, C., Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company. (2020). Hecate. Australia.https://yirrayaakin.com.au/production/hecate/