Moortabiny drone show to tell story of “becoming family”
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A cutting-edge drone show will share the secrets of Perth’s Kings Park next month telling the story of plants and people and how biological diversity and cultural diversity are interconnected.
Moortabiny, a Noongar word meaning “becoming family”, will present an immersive blend of storytelling, an original soundscape inspired by the flora of Kings Park and drone technology from October 2-4.
The show is written and narrated by Noongar author Kim Scott in consultation with Whadjuk Noongar Elder Walter McGuire.
“Becoming family” is the central theme throughout the work, reflecting the relationship between ancestors, present-day communities, past and present Australians, plants, and the broader environment and Country through the concept of family.
Moortabiny rhough, is more than a narrated drone show. It explores many themes; connection being the principle one. Fire also features heavily, sometimes used to illustrate civilisation and destruction – but also phoenix-like rebirth and resilience.
There are themes of belonging and erasure, and finally themes of harmony. Of becoming one, of sharing and hope.
Trapdoor Spider Dance
The story begins with the Trapdoor Spider Dance of Kings Park, which connects the traditional Whadjuk Noongar cultural dance to the ancient name of Kings Park, Kaarta Gar-up or Garrgatup, meaning “place of spiders”.
The spider appears multiple times throughout the story, and is used to reinforce ideas of belonging, drawing attention to how Noongar people have been here throughout the cold times, deep time and creation times.
The dance moves into the introduction of an ancient tribe’s migration. Using generational knowledge of ancient routes, they navigate North, South, East and West before arriving at Kings Park.
The story then follows the tribe as they demonstrate their knowledge of the land, introducing iconic plants such as mungatj (banksia), kudditj (kangaroo paw), marri (marri tree) and moork (sheoak scrub). Significantly, the chosen plants come from different regions of Western Australia, while their Noongar names remain unchanged across time, reflecting the enduring connection of the people themselves.
From there the story takes a speculative turn, asking how these plants might experience the events of their time, their own consciousness and their relationships with one another.
Bushland clearance
It explores the names humans place on things, while also emphasising just how different – and similar – plants are to humans.
Moortabiny also touches on the grief caused by the aggressive clearings of the bushland at Kings Park in the 1960s, but also of how those responsible began to learn the value of protection and conservation, and consequently learned how ‘some frail flowers last forever, and thin roots grow in solid rock.’
The Botanic Parks and Gardens Authority presents this never-before seen drone, light and sound experience, for three nights only at the WA Botanic Garden.
For more information visit Ticketmaster, or visit the Moortabiny page on the BGPA website.
