NAISDA is reflecting on the success of our 2024 end-of-year performance season, with the trees have voices, the feet have ears completely selling out across all 4 shows from 21 – 23 November at Carriageworks.
From spoken word and dance film to striking visuals and immersive soundscapes, NAISDA students showcased their creativity, individuality and the dedication of a year’s worth of training.
NAISDA students brought to life a performance that was as visually stunning as it was thought-provoking, reflecting on the need to enter an era of relational reciprocity with Country, because Country is starting to fight back.
The production came to life under the singular direction of NAISDA graduates Vicki Van Hout and guest choreographers Henrietta Baird and Glory Tuohy-Daniell. NAISDA Cultural Tutors and Knowledge Holders, led by Dujon Niue, shared the joy and colour of Torres Strait Islander dances, songs and spirit with Sydney audiences.
The production was framed by Cultural Tutor and Songman Dujon Niue, who brought the spirit, songs and dances of Torres Strait Mua Island to the Carriageworks stage.
During rehearsal week, NITV joined us to provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and creative process of the trees have voices, the feet have ears.
Watch the full feature below.
The powerful performance also further solidified NAISDA’s reputation as a leader in First Nations performing arts education and reaffirmed its essential role in shaping Australia’s cultural and creative landscape.
Reflecting on the success of the performance, NAISDA CEO Kim Walker said, “Performances like this don’t just happen—they’re the result of so many people working together. The trees have voices, the feet have ears brought together everything our students have developed this year—their skills, their storytelling, their creativity. For our Advanced Diploma students, it was their final NAISDA performance, marking the start of their journey as Australia’s next generation of emerging First Nations artists.”
Australian Arts Review also celebrated the sold-out production with a feature article, capturing the essence of the trees have voices, the feet have ears and its impact. You can read the full Australian Arts Review article here.