Ella Kris’ iconic tale The Brown Husk Coconut debuted as a theatre production on 17 September at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
Brought to life by the Meriam community, led by Eastern Field Productions, Luneg reimagined the powerful story of a single coconut drifting through the turbulent seas of life.
The interpretative dance performance carried audiences on a journey of womanhood and healing, becoming a metaphor for the resilience of Torres Strait Islander women.
Honouring struggles, scars and the possibility to start anew, Luneg was a mirror for an entire community who watched in awe while the one-night show safely infused traditional and contemporary dance.
Luneg Choreographer Sonya Stephen said the process of bringing Ella’s vision to life was a sense of healing for the entire crew.
“Movement speaks when words cannot,” Sonya said.
“Aunty Ella’s story gave us an outline, and so it was my job to colour it in.”
Sonya worked closely with Traditional Dance Choreographer Boyo Mye and under the cultural guidance of Vera Mabo, John Armitage, Nellie Passi and Joshua Thaiday.
“Luneg is a powerful manifestation of the life cycle here in Zenadth Kes and we wanted to get a lot of people involved,” Vera said.
“When you hear the story, when you understand it, it relates to every single person.
“No matter where you are in the world, it will hit home for you,” she said.
The story began as a personal act of healing for acclaimed author Ella Kris.
“I wrote this story to get through my own challenges,” Ella said.
“To see it brought to life on stage, and for others to see themselves in it; their trauma, their strength and their hope, that was the true gift.
“I’ve shared the story with many people from the East to the West and they all know it as a familiar story,” she said.
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) proudly supported the production and provided Gab Titui Cultural Centre as the venue.
TSRA Chairperson George Nona congratulated Eastern Field Productions and crew on the well-attended performance.
“Luneg is exactly why Gab Titui’s stage and performing arts initiatives exist; to give space for our people’s stories to rise, to heal and to inspire,” Mr Nona said.
“This performance proved how Torres Strait Islander storytelling can move hearts, strengthen culture and speak to the world.
“Our Culture, Art and Heritage Program is committed to supporting grassroots productions like Luneg that use performing art to share stories and impart knowledge,” he said.
Every element of the show was brought to life by Torres Strait Islander creatives, including lighting by Connie Pedro, sound engineering by Luke Mosby, artwork by Bobby Kaigey and Sam Mye, and sets and costumes crafted by the cast and crew.
Luneg was held at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre during the Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival.