The “Theory of Junk” explores
why something that was once new loses value, becomes redundant and
then gains value again. In 2005, the Sydney suburb of Cronulla came
to symbolise many communities in Australia that are experiencing
change, sometimes creating anger, fear and retribution as one culture
is seen as less valuable by another. Produced by renowned Tasmanian
arts company Big hART and created with the Cronulla community,
Junk Theory is an evocative floating
multimedia representation of an iconic Australian beachside suburb
in all its ugly beauty.
At sunset on Sydney Harbour, the Port Hacking, Derwent, Huon and
Tamar Rivers and the River Torrens, a beautiful traditional Chinese
Junk drifted by with sails set and filled with moving image. Junk
Theory, with its films, photographs, maps, portraits
and text, woven together by the haunting voice of singer Wei Zen
Ho, has delighted and mesmerized over 60,000 people during seasons
in the 2007 Sydney Festival, the 2008 Adelaide Bank Festival of
the Arts and the 2009 Ten Days on the Island Festival.
Like many of us the junk – Suzy Wong – came to Australia
from overseas. Built in 1959, she arrived here in the early sixties
and has survived and adapted to her new environment to become a
permanent part of our maritime history.
Creator-Scott Rankin.
Creative Producer-Michelle Kotevski.
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