Wanigili Theatre Group

Andy Tari "Tabu" leaping for joy after being

released from the curse of selling the bagi to

the dim dim

Rose Ila "Tabu's sister" dancing with the

bagi in his dream

John Napoleon "Mwali" trying to reverse the

curse on his son Tabu.

Tabu's "sister" and "mum"-Leanne Wilson
Terence the "Dim dim" giving Tabu his shirt
after buying the bagi.

Mwali and his dying" father" Robin Noel.
Gerry Philip-playing the garamut backstage

Robin Noel backing up with rattles

An emotional moment between father & son

Tabu falls ill

The group rehearsing

The err...Director-

Master Kaure Muala Nilkare

Drama was followed by music

presented by some of the extremely

talented distance education students.
Samantha Clark plays the guitar and
sings beautifully.

Mili Saul,another talented singer

and guitarist

The back up vocalists-Leilani Warren (left)
& Victoria Fitzgerald (right)

Wanigili's all girl band

Over the past 7 months Education Milne Bay Ltd.(EMB) has been involved with a community radio & drama project funded by The Media for Development Initiative (MDI). Jane McKenzie-an AYAD (Australian Youth Ambassador) volunteer who was based at EMB for the past year,was instrumental in training eight local talents (most are unemployed & living in the village) in the art of drama & theatre.They call themselves "Wanigili Theatre Group". For more info ,check out their blog- http://wanigilitheatre.blogspot.com

The main objective of the project was to create and produce a series of 6 x 30 min. radio drama programs addressing key issues in our province (& country) including; HIV/AIDS,Domestic Violence & Good Governance. It's been an exciting...... and looong and challenging journey which isn't over yet. For more info check out Jane & Cam's previous blog (Cam Hollows is her partner,the nicest guy who is never short for words or laughs & makes a mean Chicken Panag!) http://camnjaneinpng.blogspot.com

Jane has now returned to Oz (actually right now,she's probably walking the streets of Venice with Cam-check out their latest blog- http://camnjanecontinued.blogspot.com). Jane is a drama specialist who inspired us,challenged us and taught us skills that we'll never forget. I was her counterpart and was also involved in the workshops. Even though she left us in April, she is sorely missed and we still think of her and talk about her. Because there's so much to share about Jane,I'll need to dedicate a seperate post just on her (and Cam). For now, here are some photos of The Wanigili Theatre Group taken this week. They performed an original item called "Bagi for Money" for The National Cultural Commission who are currently conducting a workshop here at EMB. The workshop is about " Model Law on The protection of traditional knowledge and expressions of culture" so it was a very appropriate play, which was enjoyed by all. The group performed really well, I was so proud of them!