JUTE Theatre Company’s award-winning First Nations residency program, Dare to Dream, hits the road on Monday, 13 May, bound for five remote communities with its touring show, I Gut This Feeling, which will be presented to students in grades 4 to 9.
Developed on the Westpac Safer Children, Safer Communities work program objectives, it covers sensitive topics, focusing on addressing and preventing childhood trauma.
I Gut This Feeling is a play commissioned by JUTE Theatre Company as part of its First Nations-led Dare to Dream initiative.
Written by First Nations playwright Isaac Drandic, I Gut this Feeling is a clever and comical theatre experience that uses a relatable, modern-day fairytale to deliver a vital message about staying safe and how gut instincts can tell a lot about who to trust and who not to trust.
It features an all-First Nations touring cast and crew, including two young and talented actors, Sheyan Walker and Shahnee Hunter.
According to JUTE Theatre Company’s First Nations Creative Producer, Monica Stevens, 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
JUTE Theatre Company’s First Nations Creative Producer Monica Stevens
“Dare to Dream’s short plays all feature topical themes, both challenging and light-hearted, to deliver powerful messages in dynamic and ingenious ways.”
Ms Stevens said that magic happens when children participate in the workshops.
“The rapport in the theatre workshops is genuine and transformative for young people who may never have had this type of experience in remote and isolated communities,” she said.
“JUTE is incredibly proud of Dare to Dream for the way it uses a creative platform of theatre to propel powerful messages that culturally resonate with First Nations communities.
“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.
“The tour reports we receive from our crew and stakeholders are filled with genuine delight and amazement. They confirm that when young people are encouraged to find their voice, change can happen. It is truly rewarding.”
I Gut This Feeling is JUTE Theatre Company’s first touring residency program for 2024.
During May and June, it will visit the remote communities of Cooktown, Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama, Croydon, and Mornington Island.
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