The musical beginnings:
In
November 1992 Llew, Mara,
Sandy Evans & Tony Gorman and poet Stefan Kozuharov, created the acclaimed "Sezoni"
suite especially for Mara! and Martenitsa Choir to perform together. Sezoni was recorded in 1995.
In
1997, theatre director Nigel
Jamieson, on hearing this music, was inspired to use it as the
basis of a new work with physical theatre company Legs on the Wall, called “Homeland”. Nigel had previously directed
projects with Legs, and directed Mara in "Flamma Flamma" which opened
the Adelaide Festival of Arts 1998, and Llew in "Kelly's Republic" at
the Sydney Festival 1997.
From "Legs" media release, opening season 1998:
"Transforming
the face of the AMP Building and Customs House Square into massive stage, Home
Land is a soul stirring production, highlighting the struggle and courage
which lies behind the many stories of refugees and migration, so relevant in
today’s uncertain times. Martenitsa Choir,
Sydney's 20 member Bulgarian chorus, and joined by the ARIA award winning Mara!
world music ensemble, LOTW performers utilise an extensive aerial technology to
enable them to traverse and descend the imposing 115 metre vertical stage which
is aglow with huge projected images of migrants and their journey across
no-man's land. Performers
Beth Kayes, Brendan Shelper, Debra Batton and Gavin Robins continue the
distinctive LOTW style of physical theatre which relies on gravity defying
technique, acrobatic skills and aerial imagery woven with a strong narrative.
Their work challenges our expectations of theatre and brings
great distinction to Australia’s performing arts at home and abroad."
Homeland was presented in Berlin for the
literaturWERKstatt Festival 2003,
at the Manchester Commonwealth Games Arts Festival 2002, for the ABC's Today
2000 worldwide telecast, at the 2000
Brisbane Festival, for a 9 night season during the 2000 Sydney Olympics
and as the opening event of Customs House Square 1998.