Bidenjarreb Pinjarra

In 1834, The Western Australian Governor James Stirling led an armed expedition into the lands of the Nyoogar people.Described at the time and perpetuated in white history as "the Battle of Pinjarra" the incidentwas no such thing. It was not a "battle" it was the premeditated murder of upwards of 30 people, including women and children. The play Bidenjarreb Pinjarra explodes the myth that has for so long surrounded the events of that morning and it does so brilliantly with artful humour and astonishing impact.

Working at a number of levels the play takes us through events leading up to the massacre and explores the political pressures which led Stirling to embark on this particular adventure. White history tells us that Stirling believed it was "...an urgent necessity that a check should be put upon the career of that particular tribe."

Leading a body of men armed with the latest weapons they marched on Pinjarra in the mood of going on a hunting expedition, which to many of the group it probably was. The surprise attack took place early in the morning and decimated the Nyoongar people. The result, as they say, is history...but who's history? Stirling claimed"only 15" aboriginals died in the "skirmish" but other eyewitness reports said that "...between 25-30 were left dead and...it is very probable that more were killed...and floated down the river".

If this all sounds a little heavy, please don't be put off. Bidenjarreb Pinjarra is a very funny play despite the tragedy of the subject.

A clever use of audience participation transports us back to 1843 and we witness events first hand; while in a parallel story we share the modern day journey of two aboriginals returning to the sceneof the massacre on it's anniversary. There are plenty of hilarious scenes and some very sly jokes which expose entrenched attitudes and the stupidity and tunnel vision of some authorities.

Quite by chance I took my 14 year old son to the play he loved it. A boy of few words, his was the final accolade.

"Fantastic dad, (actually he might have said cool) I'm going to talk to my teachers to see if we can get the play performed at our school".

This is not an accusing play but it is confronting. At the end of the performance the cast open themselves to questions and comments because they do not want anybody going home feeling guilty or responsible for the events of 1843.The open forum was itself a fascinating insight into the events at Pinjarra.

History is always written by the winners and we shouldn't be surprised when a version of history reflects the perspective of the politics of the day. However we should hope that 150 years after the event we are all mature enough to recognise the truth.

If you get the chance go and see Bidejarreb Pinjarra, it is a funny thought provoking play that goes a long way towards reconciliation.