Entertainment
3 May, 2024
Children told to trust their gut feeling in special play
A PLAY that teaches kids the importance of trusting your intuition and gut feeling, I Gut This Feeling, hits the road on Monday after a public performance today at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre.
Developed under JUTE Theatre Company’s First Nations residency program Dare to Dream, I Gut This Feeling is a fun and entertaining journey with a powerful message for kids – trust your instincts and gut feeling.
The touring play aimed at school students from year 4 to 9, and written by First Nations playwright Isaac Drandic, will hold a public performance today at 6pm at Bulmba-Ja Arts Centre before departing to Cooktown, Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama, Croydon and Mornington Island over May and early June.
The play features an all First Nations cast, and introduces the audience to the story of Djirra, a young girl trying to return home safely from a strange world where she’ll meet some very odd creatures, but who should she trust?
“This is my first Dare to Dream and I’m so excited, a little nervous, because children are very truthful and they’re one of the hardest audiences to please, but I can’t wait,” said Shahnee Hunter, the actor who plays protagonst Djirra.
“I play Djirra, she’s a little girl who eats too much candy, and from her character I want kids to take away that you can trust yourself when you’re on your own and make your own decisions,” she said.
“Your parents send you out into the world with these values and it’s up to you to decipher people’s characters and decide – I trust this person, or I don’t trust this person – kids know, and it’s important that they’re told that they have a voice, that they can use it and stand up for what’s right.”
Creative producer Monica Stevens said Dare to Dream breaks from the convention of passive social teaching methods to thoroughly engage and empower young people.
“When visiting First Nations communities, JUTE’s touring team members become role models to the young people. This creates rapport and builds trust in its performances and residency program,” she said.
“Dare to Dream’s short plays all feature topical themes, both challenging and light-hearted, to deliver powerful messages.
“It starts with engagement, then comes the enlightenment and finally, empowerment. To witness this learning transition experienced by children across our region is truly humbling.”
Tickets to today’s performance at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre are free
but bookings are essential, to secure your spot visit https://bit.ly/3y1brBn
