Narromine’s much loved Aboriginal Elders Auntie Ruth and Uncle Dick Carney have taken centre stage, to tell their story in their own words, and delivered an extraordinary tale as Aboriginal Australians in rural New South Wales.
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The stage show, presented by Orana Arts with support from Create NSW and the Western Plains Cultural Centre, A Little Piece of Heaven begins telling the tale of Mr Carney’s humble beginnings in Warren, and the trials and triumphs of his time in the shearing sheds during the twentieth century.
Mr Carney discusses his rejection to the Debutante Ball in Warren, but describes discovering acceptance in Narromine, finding a community, a home and long-lasting love.
The couple’s 55-year long love in their marriage is infectious. Together they have endured loss, triumph and built a life of generosity, endurance, love and dancing.
The show ends now, over 30 years later, with the 2018 Debutantes who were presented to the Carney's earlier this month.
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“Without them [Orana Arts] we wouldn't have been able to do it,” Mrs Carney said.
"We're very proud of it and we're very thrilled they have taken us on this journey.”
For Mrs Carney, the show is a form of healing, especially for husband Dick, and said it ties into this year’s Reconciliation theme ‘Don’t Keep History A Mystery: Learn. Share. Grow’.
“It’s about the our past and how we've survived racism and prejudice, and admittedly I haven't had to compared to what Dick's had to, but I'm pleased it's part of his healing and he has now come out and been able to talk about it,” Mrs Carney said.
Orana Arts Executive Director Alicia Leggett said with limited opportunities available for Aboriginal people to be creators, participants and audience members, Staging Stories was initiated to tell Aboriginal stories from Aboriginal perspectives.
“We owe them so much, they’ve bought on all these high-tech people, curators and directors and it's taken us on a very fantastic journey,” Mrs Carney said.
“We owe them so much, because without them this wouldn't have happened, and people would never hear these stories.
“Especially for Dick to be able to express his story … Dick coming from such a big family, he’s sharing his love, his experience and joy of being part of that family, and I’m pretty proud of how he's survived on the stage,” she said.
“Of course I want to be the star you see, but I think I've been out shone."
Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
