1 00:00:02,800 --> 00:00:06,080 MAN: I think we are more fortunate than many other countries. 2 00:00:06,080 --> 00:00:06,360 We have been lucky because we have reached full nationhood MAN: I think we are more fortunate than many other countries. 3 00:00:06,360 --> 00:00:09,600 We have been lucky because we have reached full nationhood 4 00:00:09,600 --> 00:00:09,840 without the fighting and bloodshed. we have reached full nationhood 5 00:00:09,840 --> 00:00:11,800 without the fighting and bloodshed. 6 00:00:11,800 --> 00:00:14,640 But even so, our achievement of independence 7 00:00:14,640 --> 00:00:14,880 But even so, our achievement of independence still represents years of planning 8 00:00:14,880 --> 00:00:16,600 still represents years of planning 9 00:00:16,600 --> 00:00:16,840 and hard work still represents years of planning 10 00:00:16,840 --> 00:00:19,400 and hard work on the part of everyone. 11 00:00:19,400 --> 00:00:23,400 I know that every man, woman, and child of our new nation 12 00:00:23,400 --> 00:00:26,280 shares this moment of pride and happiness 13 00:00:26,280 --> 00:00:26,520 shares this moment with one heart 14 00:00:26,520 --> 00:00:28,280 with one heart 15 00:00:28,280 --> 00:00:30,760 to join in celebrating our independence. 16 00:00:53,480 --> 00:00:56,160 NAMILA BENSON: Here I am in my home in Naarm, Melbourne, 17 00:00:56,160 --> 00:00:56,400 NAMILA BENSON: Here I am in my home where I live and where I grew up. 18 00:00:56,400 --> 00:00:58,400 where I live and where I grew up. 19 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:02,480 I also have my cultural, ancestral, 20 00:01:02,480 --> 00:01:03,800 and what I consider to be 21 00:01:03,800 --> 00:01:04,000 my actual home, and what I consider to be 22 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:05,280 my actual home, 23 00:01:05,280 --> 00:01:07,360 Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. 24 00:01:09,800 --> 00:01:14,120 It's a big year for PNG, a richly vibrant nation 25 00:01:14,120 --> 00:01:17,800 with over 800 languages and many more dialects. 26 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:21,160 2025 marks 50 years of self-governance 27 00:01:21,160 --> 00:01:25,040 and independence from Australian colonial rule. 28 00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:25,280 and independence Back in 1975, 29 00:01:25,280 --> 00:01:26,880 Back in 1975, 30 00:01:26,880 --> 00:01:30,000 when we gained independence under the Whitlam government, 31 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:33,400 it meant exciting possibilities and new beginnings. 32 00:01:34,560 --> 00:01:39,040 We have, at this point in time, broken with our colonial past, 33 00:01:39,040 --> 00:01:43,240 and we now stand as an independent nation in our own right. 34 00:01:43,240 --> 00:01:43,480 and we now stand as an independent nation in our own right. This historical moment resonates 35 00:01:43,480 --> 00:01:45,760 This historical moment resonates 36 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:46,000 in PNG's cultural This historical moment resonates 37 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:49,080 in PNG's cultural and collective memory, 38 00:01:49,080 --> 00:01:53,080 and for some of us living in PNG diaspora here in Australia, 39 00:01:53,080 --> 00:01:53,320 and for some of us living we hold these memories close too. 40 00:01:53,320 --> 00:01:55,960 we hold these memories close too. 41 00:01:55,960 --> 00:01:58,360 It keeps us connected to home. 42 00:02:01,280 --> 00:02:03,920 Living in Australia and being Papua New Guinean, 43 00:02:03,920 --> 00:02:06,920 I often wonder what home really means. 44 00:02:08,080 --> 00:02:12,320 Some of us might be fortunate enough to choose the place we call home, 45 00:02:12,320 --> 00:02:15,760 and I'm mindful this is a privilege not afforded to everyone. 46 00:02:17,240 --> 00:02:20,040 ALL: (SHOUT) Happy independence! 47 00:02:20,040 --> 00:02:24,080 Watching stories of independence celebrations in PNG, 48 00:02:24,080 --> 00:02:27,040 I'm reflecting on the ways PNG people 49 00:02:27,040 --> 00:02:29,680 are linked to the land of our ancestors 50 00:02:29,680 --> 00:02:35,640 through family, language, food, and culture. 51 00:02:35,640 --> 00:02:40,920 There's a familiarity there, even if we can't always name it. 52 00:02:40,920 --> 00:02:41,160 There's a familiarity there, (ALL SING IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 53 00:02:41,160 --> 00:02:43,200 (ALL SING IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 54 00:02:43,200 --> 00:02:45,200 Being based in Australia, 55 00:02:45,200 --> 00:02:45,440 the arts is a place Being based in Australia, 56 00:02:45,440 --> 00:02:47,240 the arts is a place where I've been able 57 00:02:47,240 --> 00:02:52,000 to connect with stories from PNG and also PNG artists. 58 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:52,240 to connect with stories from PNG (SINGS) 59 00:02:52,240 --> 00:02:54,480 (SINGS) 60 00:02:54,480 --> 00:02:55,520 Wendy, hello. 61 00:02:55,520 --> 00:02:58,000 And I want to talk to some of these artists 62 00:02:58,000 --> 00:02:59,760 to get to the heart of the question, 63 00:02:59,760 --> 00:02:59,960 what does home mean to you? to get to the heart of the question, 64 00:02:59,960 --> 00:03:02,320 what does home mean to you? 65 00:03:03,280 --> 00:03:06,440 And how do ideas of home shape their creativity? 66 00:03:08,040 --> 00:03:10,280 I'm eager to have these conversations 67 00:03:10,280 --> 00:03:12,760 because I'm about to journey back to PNG 68 00:03:12,760 --> 00:03:13,000 because I'm about to journey back to enjoy independence celebrations. 69 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:15,680 to enjoy independence celebrations. 70 00:03:19,240 --> 00:03:21,360 Before I head to the airport, though, 71 00:03:21,360 --> 00:03:24,360 I do have to check in with a brilliant sis. 72 00:03:24,360 --> 00:03:24,600 I do have to check in Oh, my.... Stop it! 73 00:03:24,600 --> 00:03:28,320 Oh, my.... Stop it! 74 00:03:28,320 --> 00:03:31,960 Wendy Mocke is a writer who brings amazing stories 75 00:03:31,960 --> 00:03:36,520 from Papua New Guinea onto Australia's stages and screens, 76 00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:40,880 and her list of credits and awards really speak for itself. 77 00:03:42,320 --> 00:03:47,560 She's also a visual artist who documents the stories of PNG women. 78 00:03:47,560 --> 00:03:47,800 She's also a visual artist who I'm so excited about going home. 79 00:03:47,800 --> 00:03:50,840 I'm so excited about going home. 80 00:03:50,840 --> 00:03:51,080 Yeah, tell me about that. How are you feeling about it all? I'm so excited about going home. 81 00:03:51,080 --> 00:03:53,040 Yeah, tell me about that. How are you feeling about it all? 82 00:03:53,040 --> 00:03:56,080 I don't know, like, 'home' is such a big word, 83 00:03:56,080 --> 00:03:56,360 I don't know, like, 'home' is such a big word, especially when we live... Yeah. 84 00:03:56,360 --> 00:03:57,960 especially when we live... Yeah. 85 00:03:57,960 --> 00:03:58,200 especially when we live... ..as part of diaspora. 86 00:03:58,200 --> 00:03:59,720 ..as part of diaspora. 87 00:03:59,720 --> 00:04:01,960 What does the word mean to you? Gosh. 88 00:04:01,960 --> 00:04:02,200 What does the word mean to you? Um... Madang. Madang is home for me. 89 00:04:02,200 --> 00:04:05,560 Um... Madang. Madang is home for me. 90 00:04:05,560 --> 00:04:05,800 I spent most of my childhood Um... Madang. Madang is home for me. 91 00:04:05,800 --> 00:04:10,120 I spent most of my childhood from the ages of, like, 3 to 12. 92 00:04:11,840 --> 00:04:13,560 When I'm writing and when I'm creating, 93 00:04:13,560 --> 00:04:13,800 When I'm writing it's, I think, like, in pictures. 94 00:04:13,800 --> 00:04:16,320 it's, I think, like, in pictures. 95 00:04:16,320 --> 00:04:20,560 Often what comes to me is the coastline of Madang. 96 00:04:20,560 --> 00:04:25,120 And so a lot of my plays always start with, like, the ocean. 97 00:04:25,120 --> 00:04:28,160 Even being away from it, I can still smell it, I can still see it. 98 00:04:28,160 --> 00:04:30,920 And so a lot of my stories start there. 99 00:04:30,920 --> 00:04:33,800 I always think of, like, my ground, my home soil 100 00:04:33,800 --> 00:04:37,080 as also something that's internally in my brain. 101 00:04:37,080 --> 00:04:38,640 And so I have to, like, water it. Right? 102 00:04:38,640 --> 00:04:42,280 And so by watering it, that's... that's my...that's my land, 103 00:04:42,280 --> 00:04:42,520 And so by watering it, that's... that's away from my land, 104 00:04:42,520 --> 00:04:43,920 that's away from my land, 105 00:04:43,920 --> 00:04:46,040 is the...is how I feel 106 00:04:46,040 --> 00:04:50,520 when I come to writing and creating and being able to use the art 107 00:04:50,520 --> 00:04:54,520 to stay connected to my... my people and my home. 108 00:04:54,520 --> 00:04:57,920 You are such a brilliant, beautiful playwright, 109 00:04:57,920 --> 00:05:00,080 and the reason why I love your work 110 00:05:00,080 --> 00:05:03,280 is 'cause I always connect to a sense of home, 111 00:05:03,280 --> 00:05:07,760 which I don't ordinarily get, living here in Australia. 112 00:05:07,760 --> 00:05:13,280 But the ways that you elevate, centre, 113 00:05:13,280 --> 00:05:16,680 and just celebrate Black Pacific Islander stories, 114 00:05:16,680 --> 00:05:16,920 and just celebrate that's very specific. 115 00:05:16,920 --> 00:05:18,480 that's very specific. 116 00:05:18,480 --> 00:05:21,200 Talk about that in terms of your craft. 117 00:05:21,200 --> 00:05:24,480 The common perception is about the Black Pacific 118 00:05:24,480 --> 00:05:26,720 is that we're either asleep 119 00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:29,400 or we're just kind of standing idly by, 120 00:05:29,400 --> 00:05:29,640 or we're just kind of not really active... 121 00:05:29,640 --> 00:05:31,880 not really active... 122 00:05:31,880 --> 00:05:33,560 Mmm. ..in our own stories. 123 00:05:33,560 --> 00:05:33,800 Mmm. And so I like to activate us, 124 00:05:33,800 --> 00:05:37,760 And so I like to activate us, 125 00:05:37,760 --> 00:05:38,000 just kind of show everyone And so I like to activate us, 126 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:41,720 just kind of show everyone that we are here, 127 00:05:41,720 --> 00:05:43,440 and we've always been here... Mmm. 128 00:05:43,440 --> 00:05:47,160 ..and really kind of then find the nuances 129 00:05:47,160 --> 00:05:49,000 and the ways in which we define ourselves 130 00:05:49,000 --> 00:05:51,560 and the way that we live and celebrate and love. 131 00:05:52,880 --> 00:05:56,640 I want to talk about your beautiful award-winning work. 132 00:05:56,640 --> 00:05:56,880 I want to talk about I Am Kegu. 133 00:05:56,880 --> 00:05:57,920 I Am Kegu. 134 00:05:57,920 --> 00:05:59,840 Can you please explain a bit about that? 135 00:05:59,840 --> 00:06:03,720 Well, it was around the time that I was training at NIDA. 136 00:06:03,720 --> 00:06:06,000 I realised in second year that I'm going to graduate 137 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:07,360 and there's going to be no roles for me 138 00:06:07,360 --> 00:06:09,360 because no-one's writing any roles for us. 139 00:06:09,360 --> 00:06:09,600 because no-one's writing I decided I'm going to write a play. 140 00:06:09,600 --> 00:06:11,320 I decided I'm going to write a play. 141 00:06:11,320 --> 00:06:12,560 And around that time, 142 00:06:12,560 --> 00:06:12,800 there was a sorcery-related killing And around that time, 143 00:06:12,800 --> 00:06:15,840 there was a sorcery-related killing that happened 144 00:06:15,840 --> 00:06:17,240 up in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. 145 00:06:17,240 --> 00:06:21,400 And that not only terrified me, but it also, like, saddened me. 146 00:06:21,400 --> 00:06:21,640 And that not only terrified me, And so that propelled me. 147 00:06:21,640 --> 00:06:22,840 And so that propelled me. 148 00:06:22,840 --> 00:06:26,680 I just wrote to be able to understand parts of my culture. 149 00:06:26,680 --> 00:06:29,520 And then over the years, it kind of grew into this play 150 00:06:29,520 --> 00:06:29,760 And then over the years, called I Am Kegu. 151 00:06:29,760 --> 00:06:30,920 called I Am Kegu. 152 00:06:30,920 --> 00:06:32,960 Well, I could happily talk more with Wendy 153 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:33,200 Well, I could happily talk more about her incredible work, 154 00:06:33,200 --> 00:06:34,640 about her incredible work, 155 00:06:34,640 --> 00:06:37,400 but, alas, today's not the day. 156 00:06:37,400 --> 00:06:37,640 Well, I know where I need to be but, alas, today's not the day. 157 00:06:37,640 --> 00:06:39,880 Well, I know where I need to be in the next 50 minutes or so 158 00:06:39,880 --> 00:06:40,800 is the airport... Oh, my gosh. 159 00:06:40,800 --> 00:06:41,040 is the airport... ..but let's do that. 160 00:06:41,040 --> 00:06:42,520 ..but let's do that. 161 00:06:42,520 --> 00:06:44,640 OK. And... 162 00:06:44,640 --> 00:06:46,720 What else? Oh. Can't forget the passport. 163 00:06:46,720 --> 00:06:48,400 Yeah, let's not forget that. Yeah. 164 00:06:48,400 --> 00:06:48,640 Yeah, let's not forget that. Alright. 165 00:06:48,640 --> 00:06:49,840 Alright. 166 00:06:53,400 --> 00:06:54,400 BOTH: Goodbye. 167 00:06:54,400 --> 00:06:56,000 See ya. See you. 168 00:07:03,840 --> 00:07:05,200 # Whoo! # 169 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:10,480 It's tricky to verbalise how it feels to be back in PNG. 170 00:07:10,480 --> 00:07:13,320 Of course I have my life in Australia, 171 00:07:13,320 --> 00:07:15,680 but there's a different sense of belonging here. 172 00:07:17,120 --> 00:07:19,480 That said, I'm so excited, 173 00:07:19,480 --> 00:07:23,760 because along with a bunch of Melanesian and First Nations artists, 174 00:07:23,760 --> 00:07:26,920 we're all finally here in Port Moresby. 175 00:07:26,920 --> 00:07:30,360 Preparations are under way for Meganesia, 176 00:07:30,360 --> 00:07:35,640 a massive concert that forms part of pre-independence celebrations, 177 00:07:35,640 --> 00:07:39,840 and some of my favourite musicians are in town for the show. 178 00:07:39,840 --> 00:07:43,160 It is going to be a huge celebratory event. 179 00:07:43,160 --> 00:07:45,920 # Fire in my soul, lifted by the sunshine... # 180 00:07:45,920 --> 00:07:49,960 But for now, I'm just taking in the sights and sounds of Port Moresby 181 00:07:49,960 --> 00:07:50,200 But for now, I'm just taking in and taking time to meet an artist 182 00:07:50,200 --> 00:07:51,800 and taking time to meet an artist 183 00:07:51,800 --> 00:07:55,440 whose work is a familiar sight in this city. 184 00:07:56,840 --> 00:07:58,200 Look at this. 185 00:07:58,200 --> 00:08:01,520 Like, I've seen this so many times on the internet, 186 00:08:01,520 --> 00:08:03,640 and I can't believe that I'm now here. 187 00:08:03,640 --> 00:08:03,880 and I can't believe This is Lesley Wengembo, 188 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:05,760 This is Lesley Wengembo, 189 00:08:05,760 --> 00:08:09,840 and for me, his work really encapsulates home. 190 00:08:09,840 --> 00:08:11,400 Like, talking home, 191 00:08:11,400 --> 00:08:13,280 this image is it, this mural is it. 192 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:15,520 This mural, it's about family. Yeah. 193 00:08:15,520 --> 00:08:18,680 'Cause there... When we talk about the idea of home, 194 00:08:18,680 --> 00:08:18,920 this mural represents that, 'Cause there... When we talk about the idea of home, 195 00:08:18,920 --> 00:08:20,200 this mural represents that, 196 00:08:20,200 --> 00:08:23,040 from grandfather to a parent 197 00:08:23,040 --> 00:08:23,240 from grandfather to a parent and then to a child. 198 00:08:23,240 --> 00:08:24,200 and then to a child. 199 00:08:26,800 --> 00:08:31,080 Lesley is an iconic figure in PNG contemporary art. 200 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:36,160 He paints both intimate portraits and stunning public works. 201 00:08:36,160 --> 00:08:38,400 Through his hyper-realist technique, 202 00:08:38,400 --> 00:08:42,280 he has a gift for capturing the essence of his subjects, 203 00:08:42,280 --> 00:08:42,520 he has a gift for capturing from politicians and sports figures 204 00:08:42,520 --> 00:08:45,120 from politicians and sports figures 205 00:08:45,120 --> 00:08:49,680 to babies and kids, right through to elders. 206 00:08:49,680 --> 00:08:53,280 I think what I find most amazing about your work is eyes. 207 00:08:53,280 --> 00:08:55,960 You're extraordinary with capturing eyes. 208 00:08:55,960 --> 00:08:59,040 I would say, like, I mastered the eyes when I was really young. 209 00:08:59,040 --> 00:09:00,560 I used to look at all these old masters 210 00:09:00,560 --> 00:09:03,280 and all the lights kind of glow in the eyes of, 211 00:09:03,280 --> 00:09:03,520 and all the lights kind of glow like, how to create that connection. 212 00:09:03,520 --> 00:09:06,080 like, how to create that connection. 213 00:09:06,080 --> 00:09:07,480 The soul in the eyes of people. 214 00:09:07,480 --> 00:09:11,480 With PNG, the eyes of, like, of elderly people. 215 00:09:11,480 --> 00:09:13,120 It's so engaging when you look at them. 216 00:09:13,120 --> 00:09:14,800 It's with love and warmth and innocence. 217 00:09:14,800 --> 00:09:15,040 It's with love and warmth Also with the knowledge. 218 00:09:15,040 --> 00:09:16,560 Also with the knowledge. 219 00:09:16,560 --> 00:09:16,800 I grew up with my grandma Also with the knowledge. 220 00:09:16,800 --> 00:09:18,360 I grew up with my grandma for a while, 221 00:09:18,360 --> 00:09:21,040 so, like, something that fascinated me 222 00:09:21,040 --> 00:09:21,280 so, like, something is the love that they give to you. 223 00:09:21,280 --> 00:09:23,000 is the love that they give to you. 224 00:09:23,000 --> 00:09:25,040 That's what even motivates me to do 225 00:09:25,040 --> 00:09:25,280 a lot of paintings of, like, That's what even motivates me to do 226 00:09:25,280 --> 00:09:28,400 a lot of paintings of, like, faces of old people. 227 00:09:28,400 --> 00:09:30,480 It's because I wanted to capture that love, 228 00:09:30,480 --> 00:09:33,200 that connection, that knowledge, that wisdom, 229 00:09:33,200 --> 00:09:33,440 that connection, that knowledge, and portraying the essence of PNG. 230 00:09:33,440 --> 00:09:35,000 and portraying the essence of PNG. 231 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:36,560 That's where it comes from. 232 00:09:39,240 --> 00:09:40,680 Do you ever look at the mural and think, 233 00:09:40,680 --> 00:09:43,480 "Oh, maybe I should have done a little line here, or..." 234 00:09:43,480 --> 00:09:44,640 Most of the time. (LAUGHS) 235 00:09:44,640 --> 00:09:47,520 Most of the time, yeah. Well, it looks perfect to me. 236 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:48,280 I have to say, 237 00:09:48,280 --> 00:09:53,440 I think that beautiful face on the end is the one for me. 238 00:09:55,120 --> 00:09:56,920 I know I'm sweating up a storm, 239 00:09:56,920 --> 00:09:58,600 but, hey, let's run with it. 240 00:09:58,600 --> 00:10:00,480 Can I please give you this camera? 241 00:10:00,480 --> 00:10:03,080 I'd love a photo in front of this one. 242 00:10:03,080 --> 00:10:03,320 I'd love a photo There we go. OK. 243 00:10:03,320 --> 00:10:04,720 There we go. OK. 244 00:10:04,720 --> 00:10:06,800 Hang on. I don't want to block it off. 245 00:10:06,800 --> 00:10:07,040 Hang on. Ah, you're good. Yes. 246 00:10:07,040 --> 00:10:07,880 Ah, you're good. Yes. 247 00:10:07,880 --> 00:10:08,120 Hey, Jesus! Ah, you're good. Yes. 248 00:10:08,120 --> 00:10:11,360 Hey, Jesus! Eee! (LAUGHS) 249 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:11,600 Hey, Jesus! Am I dripping with sweat? 250 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:13,040 Am I dripping with sweat? 251 00:10:13,040 --> 00:10:14,520 I think...I think... 252 00:10:14,520 --> 00:10:16,360 So not flattering, but I don't care. 253 00:10:16,360 --> 00:10:19,760 I've seen your mural now. I'm happy you've seen it. 254 00:10:19,760 --> 00:10:20,880 Finally. I needed you. 255 00:10:20,880 --> 00:10:21,120 Finally. Yes. 256 00:10:21,120 --> 00:10:21,880 Yes. 257 00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:24,680 For Lesley, he soulful eyes of his grandmother 258 00:10:24,680 --> 00:10:24,920 For Lesley, he soulful eyes summed up a connection to home. 259 00:10:24,920 --> 00:10:26,920 summed up a connection to home. 260 00:10:26,920 --> 00:10:30,160 And when I see the incredible eyes of his mural 261 00:10:30,160 --> 00:10:32,680 in the unique light of Port Moresby, 262 00:10:32,680 --> 00:10:35,680 there's kind of an unspoken recognition 263 00:10:35,680 --> 00:10:35,920 there's kind of of people whose faces I don't know 264 00:10:35,920 --> 00:10:38,560 of people whose faces I don't know 265 00:10:38,560 --> 00:10:40,520 and yet they feel familiar. 266 00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:45,400 It's work like this that's kept me connected to home from afar. 267 00:10:47,560 --> 00:10:50,200 So happy to be back here. 268 00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:53,800 Family, including chosen family through friendships, 269 00:10:53,800 --> 00:10:56,840 is an important part of building a sense of home. 270 00:10:59,040 --> 00:11:02,160 I'm meeting up with a dear friend from Australia, 271 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:04,880 whose creative practice has reconnected her 272 00:11:04,880 --> 00:11:05,120 whose creative practice with our PNG heritage. 273 00:11:05,120 --> 00:11:06,880 with our PNG heritage. 274 00:11:08,160 --> 00:11:10,480 And that ancestral connection is adding 275 00:11:10,480 --> 00:11:13,360 a remarkable new dimension to her work. 276 00:11:14,960 --> 00:11:16,760 This is Grace Dlabik. 277 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:18,760 She's a multidisciplinary artist 278 00:11:18,760 --> 00:11:22,280 renowned for her beautiful ceramic and sculptural works. 279 00:11:22,280 --> 00:11:22,520 renowned for her beautiful ceramic Hi, Grace. 280 00:11:22,520 --> 00:11:24,040 Hi, Grace. 281 00:11:24,040 --> 00:11:25,760 Hi. 282 00:11:25,760 --> 00:11:29,440 I'm visiting Grace at her Aunty Elizabeth's house. 283 00:11:29,440 --> 00:11:30,760 This is Aunty Elizabeth. 284 00:11:30,760 --> 00:11:32,520 And before we sit down for a chat, 285 00:11:32,520 --> 00:11:35,080 they're cooking up a very special treat. 286 00:11:36,680 --> 00:11:37,880 (SPEAKS LOCAL LANGUAGE) 287 00:11:37,880 --> 00:11:38,120 A flatbread made (SPEAKS LOCAL LANGUAGE) 288 00:11:38,120 --> 00:11:40,880 A flatbread made with coconut and sago. 289 00:11:42,880 --> 00:11:46,200 You always go for the orange sago. Why orange? 290 00:11:46,200 --> 00:11:48,720 It's dried in the sun. Oh. 291 00:11:48,720 --> 00:11:53,080 Sago is a prized food within Grace's Motuan roots. 292 00:11:53,080 --> 00:11:55,400 Her ancestors crafted unique earthenware pots 293 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:59,160 to trade, cook, and store this precious resource. 294 00:11:59,160 --> 00:11:59,400 to trade, cook, and store Ooh! And the magic is done. 295 00:11:59,400 --> 00:12:01,920 Ooh! And the magic is done. 296 00:12:01,920 --> 00:12:03,680 Mmm! 297 00:12:03,680 --> 00:12:05,560 This is... Yes. 298 00:12:05,560 --> 00:12:05,800 And now that rich history forms This is... Yes. 299 00:12:05,800 --> 00:12:08,920 And now that rich history forms an integral part 300 00:12:08,920 --> 00:12:09,160 And now that rich history forms of Grace's creativity. 301 00:12:09,160 --> 00:12:10,640 of Grace's creativity. 302 00:12:11,880 --> 00:12:14,360 My ancestors, because we use clay 303 00:12:14,360 --> 00:12:19,120 as a very practical source to create our food, 304 00:12:19,120 --> 00:12:21,360 to store our sago. 305 00:12:21,360 --> 00:12:25,280 So I wanted to know exactly what that meant 306 00:12:25,280 --> 00:12:27,840 in terms of who we were and where we came from. 307 00:12:27,840 --> 00:12:31,760 I realised having conversations with the elders 308 00:12:31,760 --> 00:12:35,800 that our people would make these Motuan pots. 309 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:40,680 And I asked around to see who is making these pots still, 310 00:12:40,680 --> 00:12:45,320 and it's really an art form that is sort of dying. 311 00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:48,640 That only a few people know how to make these pots now. 312 00:12:48,640 --> 00:12:51,480 There was one elder that was still around 313 00:12:51,480 --> 00:12:55,640 that was teaching the younger generations these pots. 314 00:12:55,640 --> 00:12:58,120 And she is Auntie Lahue Arua, 315 00:12:58,120 --> 00:13:02,640 who is 104 years of age, living in Porebada. 316 00:13:02,640 --> 00:13:04,600 I'm sitting with her, learning from her 317 00:13:04,600 --> 00:13:07,920 the methodology of how we would make these pots, 318 00:13:07,920 --> 00:13:11,000 going into the bush, digging for the clay, 319 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:15,280 going down to the ocean and getting the salt water, 320 00:13:15,280 --> 00:13:17,120 and then bringing it back to the village 321 00:13:17,120 --> 00:13:17,360 and then bringing it back to create the body of clay, 322 00:13:17,360 --> 00:13:19,120 to create the body of clay, 323 00:13:19,120 --> 00:13:21,920 to then work with the clay. 324 00:13:21,920 --> 00:13:24,800 Connecting with this craft has made Grace consider 325 00:13:24,800 --> 00:13:26,360 what home really means 326 00:13:26,360 --> 00:13:31,520 and how that relates to the art she makes whilst at home in Melbourne. 327 00:13:31,520 --> 00:13:35,560 A lot of my practice began as, like, intuitive forms, 328 00:13:35,560 --> 00:13:40,120 just playing around with clay and just touching clay. 329 00:13:40,120 --> 00:13:43,600 And when I was doing it, I found great peace 330 00:13:43,600 --> 00:13:45,560 and a sense of home in... 331 00:13:46,800 --> 00:13:49,440 ..maybe the familiarity with, like, the earth. 332 00:13:50,560 --> 00:13:52,760 In the backyard of my place, 333 00:13:52,760 --> 00:13:55,080 I've dug a hole, which is a mumu. 334 00:13:55,080 --> 00:13:57,640 You know, where we cook in the ground in Papua New Guinea. 335 00:13:57,640 --> 00:14:01,080 But it also is where I fire my pieces. 336 00:14:01,080 --> 00:14:03,800 There's something really grounding about using fire 337 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:04,040 There's something really grounding as a natural way 338 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:06,280 as a natural way 339 00:14:06,280 --> 00:14:09,400 to harden and create something into a permanent object. 340 00:14:10,760 --> 00:14:13,880 Home for me, when I was little, 341 00:14:13,880 --> 00:14:16,080 just meant a place where I lived. 342 00:14:16,080 --> 00:14:19,000 I think more and more home is becoming 343 00:14:19,000 --> 00:14:21,360 my actual lineage of home, 344 00:14:21,360 --> 00:14:24,280 being here in Papua New Guinea. 345 00:14:24,280 --> 00:14:26,400 We don't have the language to be able to describe 346 00:14:26,400 --> 00:14:26,640 We don't have the language what this means to me, 347 00:14:26,640 --> 00:14:27,800 what this means to me, 348 00:14:27,800 --> 00:14:28,040 but it's extremely special what this means to me, 349 00:14:28,040 --> 00:14:33,200 but it's extremely special and really sacred, actually. 350 00:14:34,480 --> 00:14:36,320 And the feeling for me is familiar. 351 00:14:37,960 --> 00:14:43,640 In the experience of the sound and the textures and the feelings, 352 00:14:43,640 --> 00:14:46,120 I remember what it is to be home. 353 00:14:48,720 --> 00:14:51,000 And now you're gonna make me cry. (LAUGHS) 354 00:14:51,000 --> 00:14:51,240 And now you're gonna make me cry. And now we're both crying. 355 00:14:51,240 --> 00:14:52,200 And now we're both crying. 356 00:14:52,200 --> 00:14:53,600 MAN: Smile. 357 00:14:55,040 --> 00:15:01,000 Grace's story tells us that art can enrich and clarify our sense of home. 358 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:05,240 But in many Western museums and galleries, 359 00:15:05,240 --> 00:15:10,240 artworks that have a strong cultural relationship to place and people 360 00:15:10,240 --> 00:15:13,520 have found themselves removed, often without context, 361 00:15:13,520 --> 00:15:13,760 have found themselves removed, from their country of origin. 362 00:15:13,760 --> 00:15:15,760 from their country of origin. 363 00:15:16,800 --> 00:15:19,520 So does art itself have a home? 364 00:15:19,520 --> 00:15:23,240 Our resident art historian, Mary McGillivray, 365 00:15:23,240 --> 00:15:26,880 explores this question with someone who thinks about it a lot. 366 00:15:29,960 --> 00:15:33,320 MARC FENNELL: In the days of the British Empire, things were taken. 367 00:15:33,320 --> 00:15:37,440 They now live in museums, galleries, and some much stranger places. 368 00:15:37,440 --> 00:15:39,960 KATE: I wanted to ask you about the language that you use 369 00:15:39,960 --> 00:15:41,880 talking about The Stuff The British Stole. 370 00:15:41,880 --> 00:15:44,840 You used the phrase "contested objects". 371 00:15:44,840 --> 00:15:45,080 You used the phrase "contested objects". Why... Why that phrase? 372 00:15:45,080 --> 00:15:46,360 Why... Why that phrase? 373 00:15:46,360 --> 00:15:46,600 Because there's always more than one perspective on these objects. Why... Why that phrase? 374 00:15:46,600 --> 00:15:50,920 Because there's always more than one perspective on these objects. 375 00:15:50,920 --> 00:15:55,000 If there was only one perspective, it was legal and it's fine, 376 00:15:55,000 --> 00:15:56,320 or it was stolen and it's not fine, 377 00:15:56,320 --> 00:15:56,560 or it was stolen then there would be no show. 378 00:15:56,560 --> 00:15:58,000 then there would be no show. 379 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:01,000 The objects are a doorway into a bigger history, 380 00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:03,840 and the way you get there is by different perspectives. 381 00:16:03,840 --> 00:16:06,360 How do you decide if an object is stolen or not? 382 00:16:06,360 --> 00:16:09,880 I'm quite assiduous about not making a judgement 383 00:16:09,880 --> 00:16:12,400 on whether something is or isn't stolen. 384 00:16:12,400 --> 00:16:17,400 Often what I find is the object is a talisman for a broader theft. 385 00:16:17,400 --> 00:16:17,640 Often what I find is the object What I have noticed over the years 386 00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:18,760 What I have noticed over the years 387 00:16:18,760 --> 00:16:19,000 is there's a handful of objects What I have noticed over the years 388 00:16:19,000 --> 00:16:22,240 is there's a handful of objects that attract a lot of attention. 389 00:16:22,240 --> 00:16:24,760 The Parthenon Marbles is an obvious one. 390 00:16:24,760 --> 00:16:26,760 There's lots of First Nations objects that have been taken 391 00:16:26,760 --> 00:16:31,440 not just from Australia, but from Canada, the Pacific, America. 392 00:16:31,440 --> 00:16:34,240 And those objects get a lot of attention, 393 00:16:34,240 --> 00:16:35,920 and then, like, it's stolen, it was taken. 394 00:16:35,920 --> 00:16:38,440 And sometimes that's true and sometimes it's not. 395 00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:43,160 But what is undeniably true is those objects are a... 396 00:16:43,160 --> 00:16:48,400 ..a tether for a much broader theft of land, of culture, of identity. 397 00:16:48,400 --> 00:16:48,640 ..a tether for a much broader theft These objects, 398 00:16:48,640 --> 00:16:49,520 These objects, 399 00:16:49,520 --> 00:16:49,760 they get to illuminate a bigger These objects, 400 00:16:49,760 --> 00:16:52,880 they get to illuminate a bigger and more complicated history 401 00:16:52,880 --> 00:16:54,640 that we are all still grappling with. 402 00:16:54,640 --> 00:16:57,280 So these objects are kind of, like, conduits 403 00:16:57,280 --> 00:17:00,360 for seeking justice for a broader injustice. 404 00:17:00,360 --> 00:17:00,600 for seeking justice Yeah. Yeah, I think they are. 405 00:17:00,600 --> 00:17:01,880 Yeah. Yeah, I think they are. 406 00:17:01,880 --> 00:17:02,120 They're space to be able to say, Yeah. Yeah, I think they are. 407 00:17:02,120 --> 00:17:05,280 They're space to be able to say, "Actually, you know what? 408 00:17:05,280 --> 00:17:08,280 "Technically, legally, not stolen. But... 409 00:17:09,920 --> 00:17:11,240 "..what else is going on here? 410 00:17:11,240 --> 00:17:15,760 "What else is going on around this moment that we haven't dealt with?" 411 00:17:15,760 --> 00:17:20,200 What I am adamant about is tell the truth about how it got there, 412 00:17:20,200 --> 00:17:20,440 What I am adamant about is tell because that's what makes me angry. 413 00:17:20,440 --> 00:17:21,840 because that's what makes me angry. 414 00:17:21,840 --> 00:17:23,880 It was collected in a punitive mission. 415 00:17:23,880 --> 00:17:26,880 You mean you massacred people? Is that what you mean? 416 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:28,600 That's the shit that drives me up the wall. 417 00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:34,960 Do you think that objects have a true home, 418 00:17:34,960 --> 00:17:35,200 Do you think that objects whether it's a legal home, 419 00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:37,480 whether it's a legal home, 420 00:17:37,480 --> 00:17:41,320 a sort of spiritual home, ethically a home? 421 00:17:41,320 --> 00:17:41,560 a sort of spiritual home, It's a wonderful question. 422 00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:43,240 It's a wonderful question. 423 00:17:44,600 --> 00:17:46,600 En masse, no. 424 00:17:46,600 --> 00:17:50,560 I do not believe that every object has a singular home. 425 00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:55,280 Individually, every object that sits in a museum and a gallery 426 00:17:55,280 --> 00:17:57,120 has its own journey, has its own story, 427 00:17:57,120 --> 00:17:57,360 has its own journey, has its own injustices. 428 00:17:57,360 --> 00:17:58,720 has its own injustices. 429 00:17:59,880 --> 00:18:02,360 What I find most interesting is that 430 00:18:02,360 --> 00:18:02,600 as these objects What I find most interesting is that 431 00:18:02,600 --> 00:18:05,960 as these objects move through time and space, 432 00:18:05,960 --> 00:18:06,200 as these objects they actually acquire more story. 433 00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:08,440 they actually acquire more story. 434 00:18:08,440 --> 00:18:11,720 And what I love to do is the unravelling of that. 435 00:18:11,720 --> 00:18:14,320 If you actually want to learn from the objects... 436 00:18:15,760 --> 00:18:18,000 ..why not ask the people where it came from, 437 00:18:18,000 --> 00:18:20,880 and not be afraid that they will instantly want it back? 438 00:18:20,880 --> 00:18:25,040 But maybe, more often than not, I find lots of source communities, 439 00:18:25,040 --> 00:18:28,680 they just want a say in how that story is told. 440 00:18:28,680 --> 00:18:28,920 they just want a say And they want to tell their history. 441 00:18:28,920 --> 00:18:31,160 And they want to tell their history. 442 00:18:31,160 --> 00:18:34,600 There can be more than one truth and reality at the same time, 443 00:18:34,600 --> 00:18:37,640 and concurrent histories are the full picture, right? 444 00:18:37,640 --> 00:18:41,080 It's about the mess. History is messy. 445 00:18:43,360 --> 00:18:47,560 MAN: Welcome back to Nicksville Magai Jenset Radio 1010 446 00:18:47,560 --> 00:18:48,320 on your AM dial. 447 00:18:48,320 --> 00:18:51,120 With me live in the studio, on your mobile phone, 448 00:18:51,120 --> 00:18:54,920 is Sprigga Mek, 3KiiNgZ, and myself, Rifa Vela, One Sound. 449 00:18:54,920 --> 00:18:55,160 # One sound from the underground Rifa Vela, One Sound. 450 00:18:55,160 --> 00:18:56,800 # One sound from the underground 451 00:18:56,800 --> 00:18:59,280 # You know these suckers don't play when we come around... # 452 00:18:59,280 --> 00:19:03,640 Music is a big part of my life and a big way I connect with home. 453 00:19:03,640 --> 00:19:07,080 Award-winning PNG hip-hop artist Sprigga Mek 454 00:19:07,080 --> 00:19:10,400 is one of the performers at the Meganesia concert, 455 00:19:10,400 --> 00:19:10,640 is one of the performers and he has a huge following. 456 00:19:10,640 --> 00:19:13,040 and he has a huge following. 457 00:19:13,040 --> 00:19:14,960 # 3 KiiNgZ, Rifa Vela... # 458 00:19:14,960 --> 00:19:15,200 His songs very much speak # 3 KiiNgZ, Rifa Vela... # 459 00:19:15,200 --> 00:19:17,240 His songs very much speak to his story 460 00:19:17,240 --> 00:19:17,480 His songs very much speak of being Papua New Guinean, 461 00:19:17,480 --> 00:19:18,720 of being Papua New Guinean, 462 00:19:18,720 --> 00:19:23,440 and his flows represent the multiple languages of his heritage. 463 00:19:23,440 --> 00:19:23,720 So I can rap in (SPEAKS LOCAL LANGUAGE), English, pidgin, and his flows represent the multiple languages of his heritage. 464 00:19:23,720 --> 00:19:26,280 So I can rap in (SPEAKS LOCAL LANGUAGE), English, pidgin, 465 00:19:26,280 --> 00:19:26,520 So I can rap in (SPEAKS LOCAL and (SPEAKS LOCAL LANGUAGE). 466 00:19:26,520 --> 00:19:27,720 and (SPEAKS LOCAL LANGUAGE). 467 00:19:27,720 --> 00:19:27,960 Still collecting and (SPEAKS LOCAL LANGUAGE). 468 00:19:27,960 --> 00:19:29,640 Still collecting a few languages. 469 00:19:29,640 --> 00:19:29,920 Still collecting a few languages. And I stick to the essence and the roots of hip-hop. 470 00:19:29,920 --> 00:19:32,360 And I stick to the essence and the roots of hip-hop. 471 00:19:32,360 --> 00:19:32,600 And I stick to the essence Being a voice for the voiceless, 472 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:34,320 Being a voice for the voiceless, 473 00:19:34,320 --> 00:19:37,440 representing the struggle, and trying to tell it how it is. 474 00:19:37,440 --> 00:19:37,680 (RAPS IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) representing the struggle, and trying to tell it how it is. 475 00:19:37,680 --> 00:19:41,400 (RAPS IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 476 00:19:41,400 --> 00:19:41,640 (RAPS IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) I've been a rebel since I was a kid, so, you know. 477 00:19:41,640 --> 00:19:43,480 I've been a rebel since I was a kid, so, you know. 478 00:19:43,480 --> 00:19:46,080 Yeah, I started with graffiti art and, 479 00:19:46,080 --> 00:19:46,320 Yeah, I started with graffiti art you know, breakdance and stuff, 480 00:19:46,320 --> 00:19:47,720 you know, breakdance and stuff, 481 00:19:47,720 --> 00:19:51,320 and I kind of realised I had an affinity to hip-hop 482 00:19:51,320 --> 00:19:51,560 and I kind of realised with the storytelling and... 483 00:19:51,560 --> 00:19:53,000 with the storytelling and... 484 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:55,520 (RAPS IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 485 00:19:55,520 --> 00:19:58,240 PNG has gone through massive changes 486 00:19:58,240 --> 00:20:03,320 on the journey from colonialism to self-governance and independence. 487 00:20:03,320 --> 00:20:06,560 There's been social and political upheaval. 488 00:20:06,560 --> 00:20:09,960 These shifts inevitably have an impact on the nation, 489 00:20:09,960 --> 00:20:12,920 and Sprigga's songs speak to those impacts. 490 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:18,120 Tell us about the ways that you share stories of Moresby in your music. 491 00:20:18,120 --> 00:20:20,640 I was born and bred here, Port Moresby, 492 00:20:20,640 --> 00:20:23,240 so I've lived to see, you know, the changes 493 00:20:23,240 --> 00:20:25,840 over the...over the... my years on Earth. 494 00:20:25,840 --> 00:20:27,880 And I think that's one thing, you know, as an artist, 495 00:20:27,880 --> 00:20:32,480 we have a moral obligation to society to, you know, give back. 496 00:20:32,480 --> 00:20:34,640 I see my surroundings. I see what's happening. 497 00:20:34,640 --> 00:20:34,880 I see my surroundings. I just, you know, put it into song, 498 00:20:34,880 --> 00:20:36,440 I just, you know, put it into song, 499 00:20:36,440 --> 00:20:38,920 and just share it with the...with my audience. 500 00:20:38,920 --> 00:20:40,440 And I feel as an artist, you know, 501 00:20:40,440 --> 00:20:42,400 we're messengers of change 502 00:20:42,400 --> 00:20:46,480 and messengers of, you know, hope at the same time. 503 00:20:48,840 --> 00:20:52,160 What do you hope for the next 50 years for PNG? 504 00:20:53,320 --> 00:20:57,600 I doubt we'll ever see a real, realistic, tangible change 505 00:20:57,600 --> 00:20:58,720 in my lifetime. 506 00:20:58,720 --> 00:21:02,680 We still have our ups and downs in the current economy. 507 00:21:02,680 --> 00:21:05,440 And, you know, everyone's really feeling the... 508 00:21:05,440 --> 00:21:07,000 I wouldn't say pinch but punch. 509 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:08,280 This is still home. 510 00:21:08,280 --> 00:21:09,880 Yeah, home. It'll never change. 511 00:21:09,880 --> 00:21:11,520 This is the land we were born into. 512 00:21:11,520 --> 00:21:14,440 And I still love my country. I still believe there's hope. 513 00:21:14,440 --> 00:21:17,200 We gotta stand up and fight for it and try to make a change, you know? 514 00:21:17,200 --> 00:21:18,720 Best way we can. Yeah. 515 00:21:18,720 --> 00:21:22,800 Tell me, where is the place where you feel most at home? 516 00:21:22,800 --> 00:21:26,880 For me, personally, when I'm on stage. 517 00:21:26,880 --> 00:21:28,640 Really? That's like... 518 00:21:28,640 --> 00:21:30,560 To me, that's complete freedom. 519 00:21:30,560 --> 00:21:32,080 (RAPS INDISTINCTLY) 520 00:21:34,960 --> 00:21:40,840 The MC mentions my name, and I mentally switch from Allan... 521 00:21:40,840 --> 00:21:43,760 Ooh. ..into Sprigga Mek, the artist. 522 00:21:43,760 --> 00:21:44,000 Ooh. (RAPS IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 523 00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:47,000 (RAPS IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 524 00:21:54,360 --> 00:21:59,520 Hearing Sprigga's passion for PNG's storytelling is powerful. 525 00:21:59,520 --> 00:22:03,560 As home changes around us, our ideas of what that means 526 00:22:03,560 --> 00:22:07,080 does require truth tellers to speak to the challenges. 527 00:22:07,080 --> 00:22:11,680 But it's also important to celebrate the wins. 528 00:22:11,680 --> 00:22:11,920 But it's also important And at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, 529 00:22:11,920 --> 00:22:13,920 And at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, 530 00:22:13,920 --> 00:22:18,160 which is where independence actually took place back in 1975, 531 00:22:18,160 --> 00:22:22,720 preparations are under way for a truly epic celebration. 532 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:29,600 The Meganesia concert has an astounding number of moving parts. 533 00:22:29,600 --> 00:22:29,840 The Meganesia concert has an Roadies, crew, 534 00:22:29,840 --> 00:22:31,360 Roadies, crew, 535 00:22:31,360 --> 00:22:35,680 not to mention over 100 Aboriginal, Zenadth Kes, 536 00:22:35,680 --> 00:22:40,240 West Papuan, and PNG artists and performers. 537 00:22:40,240 --> 00:22:41,800 It's a whirlwind of activity 538 00:22:41,800 --> 00:22:47,440 with a surprisingly chilled-out artistic director, Airileke Ingram. 539 00:22:50,360 --> 00:22:52,200 MAN: We're getting ready for the big night. 540 00:22:52,200 --> 00:22:52,440 We're close. MAN: We're getting ready for the big night. 541 00:22:52,440 --> 00:22:53,240 We're close. 542 00:22:55,680 --> 00:22:57,880 I'm not sleeping. (LAUGHS) 543 00:22:57,880 --> 00:22:58,080 I'm not sleeping. (LAUGHS) I'll sleep after the show. Yeah. 544 00:22:58,080 --> 00:23:00,320 I'll sleep after the show. Yeah. 545 00:23:02,960 --> 00:23:06,480 Airi, known as Airileke, is a prominent name 546 00:23:06,480 --> 00:23:10,760 proudly bringing Pacific culture to stages around the world. 547 00:23:10,760 --> 00:23:15,520 He's an ARIA-nominated musician and producer, master percussionist, 548 00:23:15,520 --> 00:23:18,200 as well as being an artistic director 549 00:23:18,200 --> 00:23:23,000 of some of the largest musical and cultural events across the Pacific. 550 00:23:23,920 --> 00:23:27,440 He's even tried to teach me to play drums on national television. 551 00:23:29,240 --> 00:23:30,240 Oh, God. 552 00:23:30,240 --> 00:23:31,360 You're getting close. 553 00:23:31,360 --> 00:23:32,880 You're close, you're close. OK. 554 00:23:32,880 --> 00:23:36,600 And, uh, as you can see, I needed to stick to my day job. 555 00:23:36,600 --> 00:23:36,840 And, uh, as you can see, (BOTH LAUGH) 556 00:23:36,840 --> 00:23:39,160 (BOTH LAUGH) 557 00:23:39,160 --> 00:23:42,000 As a champion of contemporary cultural music, 558 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:45,640 I'm curious to hear about Airi's concept of home. 559 00:23:45,640 --> 00:23:45,920 Mostly, you know, my home where, I guess, my roots is I'm curious to hear about Airi's concept of home. 560 00:23:45,920 --> 00:23:49,240 Mostly, you know, my home where, I guess, my roots is 561 00:23:49,240 --> 00:23:49,480 Mostly, you know, my home where, I guess, my roots is is Gabagaba, Central Province, PNG. 562 00:23:49,480 --> 00:23:52,960 is Gabagaba, Central Province, PNG. 563 00:23:52,960 --> 00:23:55,800 But, you know, I guess home is where the love is, you know? 564 00:23:55,800 --> 00:23:56,040 But, you know, I guess home is That's really what it means to me. 565 00:23:56,040 --> 00:23:57,880 That's really what it means to me. 566 00:23:57,880 --> 00:24:02,080 So as a musician, what sounds or instruments 567 00:24:02,080 --> 00:24:04,440 immediately remind you of home? 568 00:24:04,440 --> 00:24:09,520 Definitely gaba, in... which is the Kundu drum. 569 00:24:09,520 --> 00:24:14,520 My village is called Gabagaba, and in English that means 'drum drum'. 570 00:24:14,520 --> 00:24:16,720 In Torres Strait, they call it warup. 571 00:24:16,720 --> 00:24:16,960 In Torres Strait, West Papua, they call it tifa. 572 00:24:16,960 --> 00:24:19,040 West Papua, they call it tifa. 573 00:24:19,040 --> 00:24:21,280 And PNG, we call it kundu. 574 00:24:22,520 --> 00:24:24,400 When my grandfather taught me, 575 00:24:24,400 --> 00:24:27,920 he would say that the gaba makes your blood move. 576 00:24:29,480 --> 00:24:33,160 The actual beat is the heartbeat, you know. 577 00:24:33,160 --> 00:24:33,400 The actual beat is the heartbeat, It's this kind of beat. 578 00:24:33,400 --> 00:24:34,520 It's this kind of beat. 579 00:24:36,720 --> 00:24:40,760 It really pulls you in. You know, like, you belong with this drum. 580 00:24:40,760 --> 00:24:45,360 Yeah. That sound always, you know, straightaway back to my village. 581 00:24:46,280 --> 00:24:48,640 When I was taught, then, by more contemporary musicians... 582 00:24:48,640 --> 00:24:51,440 When I was young, they used to tell me, you know, 583 00:24:51,440 --> 00:24:53,560 "Your passport don't take you around the world. 584 00:24:53,560 --> 00:24:55,480 "This drum takes you around the world." 585 00:24:55,480 --> 00:24:57,720 And that's been my life story. 586 00:24:57,720 --> 00:25:00,240 I totally get what Airi's saying here. 587 00:25:00,240 --> 00:25:03,040 And it's a common feeling living in the diaspora, 588 00:25:03,040 --> 00:25:03,280 And it's a common feeling that certain sensory moments create 589 00:25:03,280 --> 00:25:06,000 that certain sensory moments create 590 00:25:06,000 --> 00:25:10,520 an evocative and unmistakable pull back to our motherlands. 591 00:25:11,560 --> 00:25:14,920 Many of the Meganesian performers travel for a living 592 00:25:14,920 --> 00:25:17,840 and have their own unique concept of home, 593 00:25:17,840 --> 00:25:23,400 including West Papuan brothers and dancers in the show Sam and Yoshua. 594 00:25:23,400 --> 00:25:27,680 How does movement and dance connect you to that place of home? 595 00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:29,440 We both came to Australia as a refugee. 596 00:25:29,440 --> 00:25:29,680 We both came to Australia I was 12, he was 15. 597 00:25:29,680 --> 00:25:30,840 I was 12, he was 15. 598 00:25:30,840 --> 00:25:31,040 And now we are living in two worlds. I was 12, he was 15. 599 00:25:31,040 --> 00:25:34,560 And now we are living in two worlds. 600 00:25:34,560 --> 00:25:37,920 You know, I'm leaving my home, but I'm also creating a home here. 601 00:25:37,920 --> 00:25:38,200 You know, I'm leaving my home, but I'm also creating a home here. Every time we came together as a band, we feel home. 602 00:25:38,200 --> 00:25:41,040 Every time we came together as a band, we feel home. 603 00:25:41,040 --> 00:25:43,280 You know, all the drumming, all the songs we sing, 604 00:25:43,280 --> 00:25:43,520 You know, all the drumming, it's to remind us about home. 605 00:25:43,520 --> 00:25:44,680 it's to remind us about home. 606 00:25:44,680 --> 00:25:48,520 So it's like home. Home is bring family, joy, peaceful, and freedom. 607 00:25:48,520 --> 00:25:48,760 So it's like home. Home is bring (MUSIC PLAYS) 608 00:25:48,760 --> 00:25:50,360 (MUSIC PLAYS) 609 00:25:50,360 --> 00:25:50,600 And at the rehearsal (MUSIC PLAYS) 610 00:25:50,600 --> 00:25:52,920 And at the rehearsal before the big event, 611 00:25:52,920 --> 00:25:57,120 I'm particularly thrilled to see music artist Yirrmal. 612 00:25:57,120 --> 00:26:00,240 With close family connections to Yothu Yindi, 613 00:26:00,240 --> 00:26:03,360 he continues an important legacy and tradition 614 00:26:03,360 --> 00:26:07,200 of bringing his Yolngu language, music, and culture, 615 00:26:07,200 --> 00:26:09,000 to audiences in Moresby. 616 00:26:10,680 --> 00:26:11,760 And at Meganesia, 617 00:26:11,760 --> 00:26:16,080 he'll be performing with members from the legendary Yothu Yindi. 618 00:26:16,080 --> 00:26:18,600 Can we take a minute for your bilum? Look at that. 619 00:26:18,600 --> 00:26:18,880 You've got your beautiful bilas already. Can we take a minute for your bilum? Look at that. 620 00:26:18,880 --> 00:26:21,520 You've got your beautiful bilas already. 621 00:26:21,520 --> 00:26:21,760 You've got your beautiful bilas I'm carrying all my family now. 622 00:26:21,760 --> 00:26:23,160 I'm carrying all my family now. 623 00:26:23,160 --> 00:26:25,440 Yes. From Port Moresby. Yeah. 624 00:26:25,440 --> 00:26:25,720 Yes. From Port Moresby. Yeah. (LAUGHS) And I'll take it back to Australia. 625 00:26:25,720 --> 00:26:27,720 (LAUGHS) And I'll take it back to Australia. 626 00:26:27,720 --> 00:26:27,960 (LAUGHS) Tell me how it's been for you. 627 00:26:27,960 --> 00:26:29,560 Tell me how it's been for you. 628 00:26:29,560 --> 00:26:29,800 I'm thoroughly enjoying it Tell me how it's been for you. 629 00:26:29,800 --> 00:26:32,040 I'm thoroughly enjoying it at the moment. 630 00:26:32,040 --> 00:26:35,480 Seeing the beautiful people, Wantok people, from this country, 631 00:26:35,480 --> 00:26:38,480 and celebrating with them for this 50-year anniversary. 632 00:26:38,480 --> 00:26:38,720 and celebrating with them Yeah, yeah. 633 00:26:38,720 --> 00:26:39,560 Yeah, yeah. 634 00:26:39,560 --> 00:26:41,400 That's what I'm looking forward to it. 635 00:26:41,400 --> 00:26:44,080 And sharing my spirit about my home. Yes. 636 00:26:44,080 --> 00:26:45,120 Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. 637 00:26:50,320 --> 00:26:52,840 MAN: Ah, love. All the way love. 638 00:26:52,840 --> 00:26:55,360 Happy 50th birthday, PNG! 639 00:26:56,280 --> 00:26:58,160 (FUNKY MUSIC PLAYS) 640 00:26:58,160 --> 00:27:01,440 Being in Port Moresby watching this incredible line-up of artists 641 00:27:01,440 --> 00:27:04,600 celebrate 50 years of PNG independence, 642 00:27:04,600 --> 00:27:08,880 well, it's an incredibly moving experience. 643 00:27:08,880 --> 00:27:12,320 There's an explosion of culture and pride 644 00:27:12,320 --> 00:27:15,200 and so much joy and connection on stage. 645 00:27:15,200 --> 00:27:15,440 and so much joy and connection (PERCUSSION TAPS RAPIDLY) 646 00:27:15,440 --> 00:27:18,040 (PERCUSSION TAPS RAPIDLY) 647 00:27:21,000 --> 00:27:24,480 I'm thinking back to all the artists I've connected with on this trip, 648 00:27:24,480 --> 00:27:28,840 and the different perspectives they've generously shared about home, 649 00:27:28,840 --> 00:27:32,880 through the traditions that connect us across generations, 650 00:27:32,880 --> 00:27:36,520 the people and family that nurture our souls... 651 00:27:38,000 --> 00:27:40,960 ..the music and dance that allows us to celebrate 652 00:27:40,960 --> 00:27:44,360 and locate our relationships with land and with each other. 653 00:27:44,360 --> 00:27:44,600 and locate our relationships (ALL SING IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 654 00:27:44,600 --> 00:27:47,400 (ALL SING IN LOCAL LANGUAGE) 655 00:27:47,400 --> 00:27:51,200 # One people, one soul, one destiny... # 656 00:27:51,200 --> 00:27:54,560 Home is an elusive concept that's tricky to nail down. 657 00:27:54,560 --> 00:27:54,800 Home is an elusive concept But what I've come to realise is 658 00:27:54,800 --> 00:27:56,800 But what I've come to realise is 659 00:27:56,800 --> 00:27:57,040 you definitely know it But what I've come to realise is 660 00:27:57,040 --> 00:27:59,920 you definitely know it when you feel it. 661 00:27:59,920 --> 00:28:02,240 WENDY: So proud about so many things. 662 00:28:02,240 --> 00:28:05,760 In particular our sense of community. 663 00:28:05,760 --> 00:28:06,000 In particular Oof. 664 00:28:06,000 --> 00:28:07,080 Oof. 665 00:28:07,080 --> 00:28:08,640 You know, being part of a tribe. 666 00:28:08,640 --> 00:28:08,880 And it doesn't matter where you are You know, being part of a tribe. 667 00:28:08,880 --> 00:28:11,720 And it doesn't matter where you are in the world, 668 00:28:11,720 --> 00:28:11,960 And it doesn't matter where you are you know you belong somewhere. 669 00:28:11,960 --> 00:28:13,520 you know you belong somewhere. 670 00:28:13,520 --> 00:28:16,560 And your people will call you home. They'll always call you home. 671 00:28:16,560 --> 00:28:20,080 For me, it's that feeling of true belonging 672 00:28:20,080 --> 00:28:24,080 where how you show up and what you share of yourself in the world 673 00:28:24,080 --> 00:28:24,920 makes sense. 674 00:28:24,920 --> 00:28:29,760 Where people and place ground you in the most poignant ways. 675 00:28:29,760 --> 00:28:32,320 Everyone who we've spoken to about home 676 00:28:32,320 --> 00:28:38,720 has spoken about home being a sense of security, safety, and belonging. 677 00:28:38,720 --> 00:28:38,960 has spoken about home being a sense And I very much feel that here. 678 00:28:38,960 --> 00:28:41,400 And I very much feel that here. 679 00:28:41,400 --> 00:28:43,680 It is such a weird thing to say, 680 00:28:43,680 --> 00:28:48,200 but walking around and seeing faces that look like mine, 681 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:50,200 and then connecting with artists 682 00:28:50,200 --> 00:28:55,280 who take so much pride in sharing our culture 683 00:28:55,280 --> 00:28:59,680 and, you know, beautiful, specific parts of our customs, 684 00:28:59,680 --> 00:29:02,200 yeah, it's...it's amazing being home. 685 00:29:03,280 --> 00:29:05,920 Captions by Red Bee Media 686 00:29:05,920 --> 00:29:08,080 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation