Entertainment
4 December, 2023
Special creative musical alliance
WORLD-renowned composers, musicians and vocalists gathered in Cairns recently to begin the creative journey on the highly anticipated multi-artform mainstage production, Deeyamithadda (Dance Spirit in Gangulu).
Leading the music direction is industry legend Chong Lim, who has left an indelible mark on the music world, having worked alongside international megastars like Kylie Minogue, Coldplay and Robbie Williams.
From the vision of Wakka Wakka/Gangulu choreographer, director and artist Balla Neba, with co-artistic directors of Strong House Arts, Yvette Walker and Naomi Wenitong, Deeyamithadda promises to be a powerful and moving exploration of struggle, resilience, community, connection and faith.
Ms Lim said of his experiences in Cairns that it was an “honour to embark on this journey as the musical director”, having first worked with Balla Neba and Yvette Walker last year for the Commonwealth Games handover in Birmingham.
“What Strong House Arts has delivered thus far is absolutely world-class, from their processes, their spirit and the way in which they work,” he said.
“They are one of the most professional and impressive companies that I’ve ever worked with – the talents of the team are up there with the best of the world, and I say this having worked with the best in the world.
“I believe that it has the ability to be one of Australia’s leading stage productions that will garner international acclaim.”
Yvette Walker, co-artistic director of Strong House Arts, said completing the first stage of the two-year creative process, to produce a captivating and emotionally charged musical score that will be the heartbeat of the production, was a huge milestone for the team.
“Our incredible ensemble of collaborators have immersed themselves in the world of Deeyamithadda to develop the samples of the original soundscape,” she said.
“To have artists of this calibre here – with Lim’s renowned work, exceptional natural talent and rising star, music composer Tristan Barton, musical talents of locals Kingdom Voices and Nightshift and the entire Deeyamithadda team – has enriched this initial music development.”
Deeyamithadda is a semi-autobiographical work that follows the extraordinary journey of Balla Neba, from his early days in Woorabinda and Cherbourg to the challenges he faced as a homeless teenager on the city streets of Meanjin/Brisbane to that of a young man who has reached incredible heights of success on the world stage.
As the creative for Deeyamithadda evolves, it paves the way for its premiere at Cairns Festival in 2025 ahead of its official world premiere at the Brisbane Festival in September 2025, with an anticipated international tour in 2026.
While Balla Neba acknowledged there was still a long way to go, the recent collaboration with such talented professionals, had been nothing short of inspiring, equipping him as a lyrical choreographer with the basis and foundation of exceptionally inspiring original soundscapes.
