Marnkutyi Parirna Theatre

Description:

The Marnkutyi Parirna Theatre project for Trinity College in Gawler explores relationships between: Kaurna Country, the local Gawler area and the college. References to the junction of the three rivers - North Para River, South Para River and the Gawler River along with Kardi (Emu) have been embedded into the fabric of the building and landscape across the project site.

The notion of three, aligns with the college’s name (Trinity) and its religious significance. A meandering pattern of the three rivers wind their way across the pavement and join together as they do in the landscape to form and reference what was once a significant meeting place for Kaurna Ancestors and neighbouring groups.

The emu is a significant animal totem for the local Kaurna people. Its spirit lives in the sky signalising seasonal events. Its spirit is also embedded in the rivers, creeks, plains and ranges of the landscape. Its movements are replicated in ceremonial dance and its feathers are used to decorate the dancers bodies – making the emu, a perfect fit to provide connected thematic responses towards the theatre’s program of performance, dance and music.