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'Ngapartji Ngapartji': Aboriginal theatre

Ngapartji Ngapartji is a play combining traditional Aboriginal storytelling and contemporary theatrical styles. The resource is best suited to year 9 and 10 drama students.

Structure and features

'Ngapartji Ngapartji' explores the history, culture and language of the Pitjantjatjara people who were displaced in the 1950s. During the early years of the Cold War, some Aboriginal people were removed from their land at Maralinga in South Australia to make way for British atomic testing. The resource features a short video of excerpts of the play, complete with commentary by the creators. Included is a transcript of the information presented in the video, Australian Curriculum links for teachers, and guided discussion points and activities.

For teachers

  1. Before viewing: use supplied prompts to encourage discussion and reflection on the importance of family, place and the value of story.
  2. As you view: use supplied questions to provoke and guide thinking about the story being told and how it is presented using the elements of drama.
  3. After viewing: reflect on how the production and design elements enhance the story and dramatic action.
  4. Next steps: students can respond in discussion, writing or multi modal presentation; or design and perform a dramatic representation of the story of Hiroshima, the story that exists in parallel to that of the Pitjantjatjara people of Maralinga.

 

Teacher notes

Strands

  • making
  • responding

Cross-curriculum links

  • Drama
  • History.