1967 - Music in the Key of Yes at Sydney Festival

18 January, 2017

Over recent months we've been working on a major collaboration, creating a live performance installation of dual screens to accompany the live performers of "1967: Music in the Key of Yes".

In May 1967, as civil rights movements worldwide were at their peak, the referendum to remove passages in the Australian constitution which discriminated against Aboriginal people passed with a ‘Yes’ vote of over 90%.

As we near the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum – a crucial milestone in the ongoing struggle for the rights of Indigenous people in Australia – it’s clearer than ever that such victories are to be celebrated. This show, co-presented by Sydney Festival and Sydney Opera House, will be performed on the land of the Gadigal people in one of Australia’s most recognisable modern icons. Some of the greatest songs of the civil rights movement will be reinterpreted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stars, including Dan Sultan, Thelma Plum, Radical Son, Leah Flanagan, Emily Wurramara, Alice Skye, Ursula Yovich and Yirrmal, as well as award-winning artist Adalita.

Using lyrical interpretations of archival footage of icons of the referendum movement and the lead up to this momentous event, the film installation was created by Daybreak Films' Rhys Graham and Natasha Gadd in consultation with the artists and producers.

For Guardian's review of the project, see here.