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BlaaQ Catt

A tour de force, BlaaQ Catt is a story that demands to be heard.
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Image: Maurial Spearim in BlaaQ Catt; Photograph by Arika Waulu. 

BlaaQ Catt is a solo debut theatre piece from Maurial Spearim that follows Ruby, a First Nations woman, as she traverses the modern world in relation to her past.

Appearing in a white dress, optimistic and eager to share her story, Spearim asks, ‘Do you see me?’ Visibility is the theme she presents before taking the audience on a scorned journey back to the birth of the modern Australian psyche.

Setting the scene we are shown her people’s place in country. North, South, East to West, what was then and what is now. From the outset we are shown this story will span a far-reaching timeline. A big task that Leon Salom skilfully manages via the thoughtful yet evocative set design. Native tools of battle, ritual and celebration lie beneath the pervasive mark of modern society – a sky scraper. A pillar in stark white, a felled tree lies in its wake. An animation of country, green and alive, is projected on a façade of home while a voice over in Gamilaraay language plays. The set’s attention to detail and symbolic duality allows the audience to seamlessly traverse 200 years of invasion, control, perseverance and acceptance. 

To cover a history steeped in controversy, intertwine it with personal story; add feminism and Aboriginal rights might be seen purely as arts activism. But BlaaQ Catt is so much more. Spearim jabs at the heart embodying rage, comedy, joy and sorrow daring the audience to question their place in modern day conversation. This is art at its purest and best.

Let’s be clear: This is a call to action. Maurial is fearless and unforgiving in her message to the viewer to pause and reflect on the position they hold and even, in these supposed enlightened times, propagate regarding Australia’s native peoples. ‘Warning signs coming, message coming.’ She makes no qualms about showing her invisibility as a black person and cleverly uses comedy and audience participation to relate to the already “on side” audience. Experiences of the big city from ignorant classmates – ‘How do you say TV in Aboriginal?’ – further highlights the need for humour to breach this touchy subject and again exposes the deeply ingrained ideas of black through white eyes. Her guttural scream the only thing left to explain what cannot be said with words alone.

In all great theatre and indeed great art, one must expose oneself to claim the truth that good art can bring. In BlaaQ Catt, Spears not only exposes herself emotionally but also artistically, deftly moving from singer to dancer to comedian then poet. Putting it down to opening night jitters, her first song is a little shaky in its delivery but this is minor and she redeems herself in the closing song. Showing off her Jazz vocal talents the a call to ‘Rise up’ stands tall on solid ground and is damn catchy.

An audience member is overheard expressing that the play should become apart of a school tour. If we were indeed as progressive a society as we claim to be and truly wish to mend old wounds, then this perhaps would be good advice.

A standing ovation is well deserved for this evocative and challenging piece of theatre and is a must see for anyone who truly wishes to identify as Australian. Sell out shows are likely for the remainder of BlaaQ Catt‘s Next Wave run so get a ticket now.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 

BlaaQ Catt

Artist: Maurial Spearim
Director: Pauline Whyman
Music Director: Deborah Cheetham
Composer: Mark Cole-Smith
Choreographer: Sermsah Bin Saad
Set and Costume Designer: Leon Salom
Projection: Katie Symes
Lighting Designer: Kris Chainey
Dramaturg: Mari Lourey and Kirsty Hillhouse
Gamilaraay Language Consultant: Paul Spearim
Voice Over: Bronwyn Spearim

Next Wave Festival

Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote
17 – 22 May 2016

 

 

Anthony Rebelo
About the Author
Anthony Rebelo is a freelance writer based in Melbourne. He has studied at RMIT University and is currently working on a novel.