Adelaide Festival Centre and Big HART Productions Present NAMATJIRA

Following sell-out seasons in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, Big hART's multi-sensory theatrical production, Namatjira premieres in Adelaide from 4 to 12 May at Her Majesty's Theatre. The portrayal of the extraordinary life of Aboriginal artist, Albert Namatjira will be complemented by an exhibition featuring watercolour paintings by Albert Namatjira's descendants from the Ngurratjuta Many Hands Arts Centre at Adelaide Festival Centre's Artspace Gallery.

A pioneer watercolour artist of Australian landscapes, Albert Namatjira played an integral role in shaping visual arts from the 1930s onwards, with his works selling out in minutes at the height of his fame. He was an instrumental player in his community, financially supporting 600 members. The revered artist was restricted when trying to buy his own land, yet he was one of the first Indigenous people to become an Australian citizen at a time when Aboriginal people were still categorised as 'flora and fauna'.

Through the theatre production Namatjira, Albert's descendants from Western Aranda country, 125 kilometres outside of Alice Springs - third generation watercolour artists, Albert Junior, Gwenda and Lenie Namatjira - support award-winning actors Trevor Jamieson (Best Actor, Sydney Theatre Awards 2008) and Derik Lynch (Best Newcomer, Sydney Theatre Awards 2011) to convey the story of one of Australia's most recognised heroes. The artists combine strokes in a dynamic theatrical representation of Albert's work, creating a massive drawing of his country on stage while audiences are treated to the elegant physicality of Jamieson and Lynch's storytelling.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, renowned social arts company Big hART have spent the past two and half years, led by acclaimed writer and director Scott Rankin (Box the Pony, 1999, Stickybricks 2005 and Ngapartji Ngapartji 2008) and Creative Producer Sophia Marinos working with Namatjira's descendants and the local community to research this story, create this high calibre theatrical piece and deliver community development outcomes all as part of what has become the Namatjira Project.

Rankin says, "The Namatjira story is iconic and important, yet is a story that has really only been told in bits and pieces, despite being extremely relevant to all of us."

South Australian artist Robert Hannaford joins the 11-strong team of artists and paints Albert, played by Jamieson, live on stage. A multiple winner of the People's Choice Award at the Archibald Prize, Robert says it is an honour to be involved in the Namatjira Project given Albert's influence on Australia's visual arts landscape.

"I have been an avid follower and keen researcher in the revival of tribal culture and heritage of South Australia's Indigenous Ngadjuri, so am passionate about this project and privileged to be involved," Robert says. "To share the same stage as Albert's ancestors, talented actors, and be part of an ensemble that is so active in empowering communities is an absolute joy – a career highlight!"

This is a homecoming season also for actor Derik Lynch, who has the privilege to try his hand at drawing like Namatjira elders as they perform together on stage. Mirroring this spirit of inter-generational collaboration, Adelaide Festival Centre's youth arts GreenRoom members are invited to attend a Namatjira Watercolour Workshop on 7 May and are encouraged to bring an older generation guest including a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, and Morning Melodies patrons are invited to bring a younger guest. Non GreenRoom members can join the Adelaide Festival Centre's program for only $10 (normally $20) and attend the Workshop. Workshop places are strictly limited.

For further information visit http://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/ or phone 8218 8512.

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