Ghenoa Gela, comedian, storyteller, choreographer
I wanted to draw a universal connection with this theme [of 'home']. There are many people all over the world who understand what it means to leave their ‘Home’. Whether by choice or not. But what happens when your ‘Home’ leaves you? What happens if your ‘Home’ disappears completely?
Ghenoa Gela has emerged as one of the country’s most prominent voices in multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional storytelling. A proud Koedal and Waumer woman, Ghenoa explores Traditional Torres Strait Islander dance, music, and story through her artistic vision and practice. After acclaimed runs at Rising: Melbourne and Sydney Festival, Ghenoa’s latest work GURR ERA OP (‘the face of the sea’) comes to her home state as part of Brisbane Festival. A fascinating fusion of dance and theatre, GURR ERA OP grapples with the reality of the climate wars, following four mainland-born Torres Strait Islander women as they battle against the rising tide threatening their home, culture and identity. We caught up with Ghenoa before GURR ERA OP’s Queensland premiere this September and chatted about all things storytelling, identity and creative process.
In your own words, what is GURR ERA OP about? Why were you motivated to create this work?
GURR ERA OP is a celebration of Torres Strait Islander culture, and connection to family and identity. Whilst also being aware of the threat of the rising waters in our Motherland ZENADTH KES (Torres Strait Islands).
GURR ERA OP has been described as the culmination of your body of work in theatre and dance. Why were these mediums used to tell this story?
Dance and theatre have always been my foundations of creating work. Purely because of the limitless possibilities of playing with form to find the best way to tell our stories.
The piece considers the relationship between place and identity. Why were you drawn to such a theme?
I wanted to draw a universal connection with this theme. There are many people all over the world who understand what it means to leave their ‘Home’. Whether by choice or not. But what happens when your ‘Home’ leaves you? What happens if your ‘Home’ disappears completely? It just made sense to explore this theme.
GURR ERA OP has been interwoven with Torres Strait Islander language and storytelling. Why is it important to represent this tradition in contemporary theatre?
It just is. Our language and storytelling have very limited time on these stages – so when there’s a chance to showcase and celebrate us, I’ll do it! There’s a reason why SEEING IS BELIEVING is a common quote. To see us, means we’re real. And when our community and people – especially young people – see themselves being represented, the pride is priceless.
The work considers the disastrous and global issue of climate change. Why did you decide to explore it in the context of the Torres Strait?
As a Torres Strait Islander, I wanted to put a spotlight on my Motherland. Those rising waters are (right now) affecting my family, my community, my people, our homes, our storytelling places, our livelihood, and most importantly our ecosystem. I needed to remind people THAT THE CLIMATE CRISIS IS HERE TOO.
How do you hope audiences experience GURR ERA OP?
I hope the audiences see us and become more aware of what’s happening in the Torres Strait. But also know that we’re all affected by the waters rising, even if it hasn’t impacted them directly.
GURR ERA OP will be hosted by Brisbane Powerhouse’s Underground Theatre. Will the unique thrust-stage design influence this latest iteration of the production?
Absolutely! Haha … Every single stage we’re on is different and we shift accordingly. Personally, I’m pretty excited to play in the Underground Theatre. I’ve performed on many different stages in Brissy – It’ll be my first time being down there, so I’m pumped!
You’re celebrated for your diverse range of talents from comedy to directing. What is your creative process for developing a new work like GURR ERA OP?
My creative process with any work is exploring, trying, playing, and trusting my instincts. This was no different. After being inspired by the work the Torres Strait 8 were doing on the front lines, I just wanted to contribute to the bigger voices already out there fighting for Climate Justice.
How does it feel to bring GURR ERA OP to Brisbane Festival?
I am proper proud! All of us ladies grew up in QLD so being a part of the festival in this way is really exciting! Just a HUGE THANKYOU to Louise Bezzina for believing in me and understanding the importance of sharing this story.
