From Goodooga to New York (and back?)

Young Brewarrina artist Layla Thui-Rose (centre) shows her winning artwork, with proud mother Jade and Moogahlin Performing Arts Co-founder Lily Shearer. Photo: Moogahlin Performing Arts

Story: Kristin Murdock – kmurdock@outbackradio.com.au

A powerful artistic work with roots in Goodooga is travelling from Sydney to the international stage, with hopes it could eventually complete the circle and return  to rural NSW.

The Moogahlin Performing Arts production, Healing Scars, created by Yuwaalaraay composer and performer Warren Mason, premiered at Carriageworks in Sydney this month, bringing together music, language, spoken word, natural sounds, and performance in an exploration of grief, injustice and healing across generations.

Moogahlin Performing Arts Co-founder and Artistic Director Lily Shearer said Mr Mason was originally from Goodooga, where his mother still lives, although he now lives in Tasmania.

His connections to the region also extend through his association with Tin Camp Studios at Lightning Ridge, and his involvement with the Baiame’s Ngunnhu Festival.

“Warren created Healing Scars from the Baiame’s Ngunnhu Festival in 2023, and we had the world premiere at Carriageworks this month,” Ms Shearer said.

Its journey is now set to extend well beyond Australia, with Healing Scars heading to New York City as part of Spiderwoman Theater’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

“We go to New York in October,” Ms Shearer said. “We’ve had two shows in New York in one year. No similar Australian company has that record.”

Mr Mason will soon pitch Healing Scars through Arts on Tour at Sydney’s Seymour Centre, where NSW works are presented to potential touring venues. Interest from five venues would allow an application to be made for funding for a regional tour. […]

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