Culture takes centre stage in this 'incredible' musical

Perth Now

3 days ago

Gamilaraay performer Googoorewon Knox has music in his blood.
His grandfather Roger Knox is a country music legend and on the other side of his family, his grandmother Auriel Andrew was also a respected performer.
Knox made his debut in musical theatre as George Washington in the Australian return season of Hamilton in 2024.
While on a slightly different path to the one set out in his family roots, it's not that much of a stretch for him.
"It makes sense being a singer, being in a musical family and enjoying being an entertainer at the same time," he tells AAP.
"The fact that it's happened isn't a huge surprise."
Knox is returning to the stage in August to play Agwe, the god of water in the award-winning musical Once on This Island.
The contemporary re-imagining of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale The Little Mermaid and the book My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy follows the story of Ti Moune, who risks everything to save a boy from the other side of the island where she lives.
Beginning on Australia's own shores, the show blends Caribbean origins with the rich cultural history found closer to home.
Knox says it's a freeing experience to bring himself and his heritage to the stage.
"That's who I am," he said.
"Hamilton was a historical piece; all the characters are real people, they're played by Black people but they weren't Black people," he said.
"To be able to play Black characters as a Black person is very freeing."
The show is directed by Gumbaynggirr and Turkish writer Brittanie Shipway, who says it is a celebration of storytelling, music and the rich tapestry of culture.
"What better way to honour the spirit of our island home than through the voices of 12 extraordinary performers, each bringing the depth and beauty of their own cultural heritage."
Ti Moune is "a dreamer, a healer and a trailblazer on a journey of love, sacrifice and self-discovery", she adds.
To Knox, the story is a "representation of us" filled with the music and dances of culture, which he's looking forward to sharing with audiences.
"It's going to be incredible," he said.
"There's a section in the middle that's going to be mind blowing. I don't care who you are, you're going to go crazy for it."
Once on This Island plays at the Hayes Theatre in association with Curveball Creative, from August 2 to 31.