FIND THE LINKS TO THE Background Research Source Material here
We live in perilous times. Maybe we always have, but not on such a grand scale as now. So, what stories got us here? Stories of survival of the fittest, and that we should subjugate nature as we chant the neo-liberal mantra of never-ending growth? Are such beliefs bullshit?
Dignified Anger: Stories for a Perilous Now is the premiere collaboration of Jan ‘Yarn’ Wositzky and Penny Glass, performers and musicians who bring a wealth of personal and professional experience to this dramatic, moving and comical piece of storytelling theatre.
Taking its cue from the Latin American concept of La Digna Rabia – Dignified Anger – the show brings together stories of Latin American Indigenous communities who defy mines and dams in their country; the wisdom of the humble bushman Bill Harney (1895-1962), who returned from WWI with a hatred of war; the centuries-old tale that questions, ‘What do women desire most, above all else? … plus more.
These stories are sprinkled with songs & music on 5-string banjo, harmonica, flute, rhythm bones, and drums.
The debut performance was at the 2023 Woodford Folk Festival.
“Theatre that teaches, makes us laugh, touches the heart, where we can look back in time to help us see our future.” (Sarah Koschak, audience member)
“Stories beyond, yet blind in time.” (Xris Reardon, audience member)
Jan ‘Yarn’ Wositzky OAM grew up listening to stories of his Czech-Scots family – tales of dangerous escapes in post-WW2 Europe and sailing to Australia. He co-founded the much-loved band, The Bushwackers – and so to a career of storytelling and music, in theatre, radio and TV, oral history books with Aboriginal people ‘up north’ and many Australian history shows in schools.
Penny Glass grew up in an Australian-Polish-Jewish family – hearing stories of displacement and a community disappeared by the Holocaust. After studying drama at the VCA, she worked in community and political theatre in Australia, and in Chile where she worked with theatre in prisons and co-founded cultural activist collective Colectivo Sustento. She currently teaches Drama for Social Action at Griffith University
Directorial Assistance by Sue Ingleton –Find out more about Sue here>>
FEEDBACK:
“ … a very fine and heartening evening.” Robyn Davidson, Vic.
“Dignified Anger is a great and important show. Be proud you two!” Richard Weiss, Vic.
“OMG this is good stuff. Class act. Highly recommended. Go!” Hamish Sewell, Qld
“What a magical, mystical, uplifting afternoon. Thank you.” Beccy Wandell, Qld
“Fantastic storytelling, lively and powerful. Very moving.” Florence, Qld
“Amazing amount of material covered. Well done!! Very heartfelt and emotional.” Lynne Hume, Qld
“Wonderful stories. Much appreciated.” Joyce Simpson, Qld
“A simply stunning evening – much to ponder over, remember and examine further. Thank you.” Katie Bestevaar, Qld
“Fabulous performance! Loved it!” Jenny Gleder, Qld
“I laughed, I cried.” Debra Beattie, Qld
“Great storytelling, and stories. Heart and soul stuff. Thank you.” Jill, Qld
“Some beautiful segues, mood and character changes. A wonderful tribute to those whose stories you shared.” Lynne Samson, Qld
“Inspiring food for thought.” Anne E Stewart, Qld
“Moving the heart through laughter, tears, honesty – love – so fantastic.” Sulja, Qld
“Wonderful storytelling, poignant, resonant, uplifting.” Sharmila, Qld
“So many great stories, can’t wait to hear more.” Andy Neil, Qld
“Loved it! So strong, passionate anger well told, affirming for change.” Karin Cheyne, Qld
“Powerful, important stories, so well told. Thank you.” Chantell Eastwell, Qld
“I loved the storytelling, very engaging, and a great way to pass on the message and
create awareness on environmental issues, First Nations people, and the music. Thank you.” Maria, Qld
“Beautifully structured, important storytelling for our times. Good on you for keeping the fires burning.” Therese Collie, Qld
“Moving, funny, skilled, knowledgeable.” Pauline Peel, Qld
If you have any other comments about the show, or you would like to suggest other stories that counterbalance the dominant narrative that is causing so much violence, suffering and damage in our world, please write to jan@janwositzky.com.au
Dignified Anger Program can be downloaded here>>
FIND THE LINKS TO THE Background Research Source Material