Binnanendi (2009) PDF Print E-mail

 

Binnanendi (a Kaurna word meaning: to grow up into manhood) was an arts and cultural project for and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys and young men. Through performing arts, photography and digital storytelling, the Binnanendi project explored the way boys find their way to manhood, responsibility and culture. Binnanendi questioned the rites of passage into manhood undertaken by young black men. Using a diverse array of media and performance formats, participants examine their own lives, speaking to audiences about what fuels their passions, where they draw their strength from and how each of them journey along the path to manhood.
 

Developed over 8 months and a key component of Kurruru’s Boys Program, Binnanendi presented boys and young men with an opportunity to examine what defines manhood to them presenting the ideas through a range of creative lenses.

Working with photographer Shane Reid participants modelled in a series of images each depicting the boys undertaking an activity which brings them a sense of personal pride – in themselves, in their  community or their culture. These photographs were brought together in a deadly calendar and then again in an exhibition held as part of Come Out 2009.

Working from the stories and insights begun in the calendar images, participants went on to develop a series of digital stories which explored the boys relationships to pride and their understanding of manhood.

Finally participants took to the stage in Stylin-Up a live action collision of music, dance, image and theatre, in order to celebrate their place within society as powerful, proud and deadly young black men.

Binnanendi Boys Project

Project Coordinator: Nick Leidig, Project Managers: Diat Alferink, Emma Webb &Martin Sawtell, Designer: Katrina Allan

Binnanendi Calendar Models

Kevin Agius, Ricky Bendessi, William Bendessi, JJ Brodie, Dylan Clarke, Cameron Ellis, Demo Hicks, Nathaniel Khan, Bradley Nelson, Clayton Nelson, Gregory Papertalk, Tjimarri Sanderson-Milera, Daniel Shaw, Syd Sparrow Jnr, Brenton Wanganeen, Desmond Williams, Romano Williams &Robert Young.

Binnanendi Calendar Crew

Key Artist: Shane Reid, Artistic Director: Damien Ralphs, Cultural Direction: Aunty Pat Waria-Read, Aunty Josie Agius & Karl Telfer, Producers: Nick Leidig & Martin Sawtell, Stylist: Delvine Parkin

‘Stylin-Up’ Cast

James Alberts (Jimblah), Charlie Agius ,William Bendessi, Cameron Ellis, Nathaniel Khan, Kevin Kropinyeri Jnr, Aaron Lester, Clayton Nelson, Gregory Papertalk, Tjimarri Sanderson-Milera, Damien Ralphs, Daniel Shaw, Brenton Wanganeen, Tristrum Watkins, Micah Wenitong, Anthony Wilson, Cliff Wilson, Robert Young

‘Stylin-Up’ Crew

Key Artists: James Alberts (Jimblah), Aaron Lester, Micah Wenitong & Tristrum Watkins, Choreographer: Damien Ralphs, Production Manager: Angela Flynn, Assistant Stage Manager: Micah Wenitong, Set/Costume Designer: Tsubi Du, Fashion Coordinators: Jacqui Clarke & Damien Ralphs, Lighting Design/Operation: Christian Donoghue, Support Workers: Aunty Josie Agius, Jacqui Clarke, Nathan Parker, Taree Sansbury & Les Sparrow

Binnanendi Exhibition Crew

Exhibition Curator: Tony Wilson, Exhibition Support: Nathan Parker

Digital Storytelling Team

Key Artists: Jeni Lee & Sieh McHawala, Support Workers Nick Leidig, Nathan Parker, Les Sparrow