Indigenous science show in Far North blends old and new ways

From boomerangs to business start-ups: A theatrical celebration of First Nations innovation is set to inspire the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Jute Theatre Company and Launch YEP have joined forces to produce Get Your Geek On, a science theatre show that encourages young people to pursue their interests in science, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Get your Geek On actors Maci-Grace Johnson as Djirra, and Maurice Sailor as Djirra's dad Kevin, will perform two shows at Bulmba-Ja on Saturday, before taking the show and workshop to 14 different towns and communities across Far North Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

An all-Indigenous cast will bring to life a groundbreaking theatre show merging traditional First Nations knowledge with modern science and entrepreneurship.

Written by Isaac Drandic and directed by Raymond Blanco, the play features an all-First Nations cast, with Maurice Sailor as Kevin and Maci-Grace Thomson as Djirra.

It will be launched at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre in Cairns on Saturday, October 18 with feature performances, theatre workshops and innovation sessions, including “Build a Side Hustle” workshops to encourage young entrepreneurs.

Get your Geek On actors Maci-Grace Johnson as Djirra, and Maurice Sailor as Djirra's dad Kevin, will perform two shows at Bulmba-Ja on Saturday, before taking the show and workshop to 14 different towns and communities across Far North Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

The story follows 12-year-old Djirra, a science enthusiast determined to win her school’s science fair with an invention that changes the world.

Her hero is David Unaipon, the Indigenous inventor featured on Australia’s $50 note.

Djirra’s journey reflects the deep scientific knowledge embedded in First Nations culture, from the invention of the boomerang to the woomera.

Djirra’s journey reflects the deep scientific knowledge embedded in First Nations culture, from the invention of the boomerang to the woomera. Picture: Brendan Radke

Playwright Isaac Drandic said Djirra was created to reflect cultural knowledge about the physical world.

“Aboriginal preacher, author and inventor David Unaipon (1872-1967) is a brilliant example

of what is possible, while the boomerang and the woomera are absolutely genius inventions

using the science of physics to fulfil practical needs,” he said.

The production is part of a broader initiative by JUTE Theatre Company and Launch Y (E) P to engage young people in STEM and entrepreneurship.

The production is part of a broader initiative by JUTE Theatre Company and Launch Y (E) P to engage young people in STEM and entrepreneurship. Picture: Brendan Radke

JUTE Creative Producer Monica Stevens said she was excited to branch out into the STEM space.

“I am quite the ‘geek’ myself. Following my professional dance career, I completed a Masters

Degree in Motion Capture at Deakin University,” she said.

“I was the first person to create a Bama (indigenous) dance avatar in Australia as part of my research, which is a perfect example of how the creative arts and science can merge.”

Tickets are $5 per session, with the production touring regional Queensland, including stops in Yarrabah, Innisfail, Tully, and Cardwell.

For tickets and tour details, visit events.humanitix.com/get-your-geek-on.

Originally published as Indigenous science show in Far North blends old and new ways