Wiradjuri cultural dance and music, traditional food and community involvement have come together to celebrate the story of Wiradjuri tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
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Griffith Regional Theatre together with Performing Lines and performances by Burrundi Theatre wowed a VIP audience of 170 guests on Wednesday night, showcasing a wealth of Wiradjuri talent and culture.
The opening ceremony kicked off with a welcome to country by Wiradjuri elders, Aunty Edna Stuart and Aunty Patti Undy from Darlington Point. Mrs Undy welcomed all guests to Wiradjuri land and talked about the diversity of indigenous languages in the region.
Hosts for the ceremony, Jay Little and Karen Ingram then welcomed a series of performances by Sydney performing arts group, Burrundi Theatre in dedication to Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Wiradjuri culture.
Burrundi Theatre's artistic director, Wiradjuri woman Kerry Johnson said she was very proud to be a part of the ceremony and to celebrate the story of Mrs Goolagong Cawley.
Mr Mick Lyons honoured all the young people of Wiradjuri nation lost to suicide with a stirring dedication on the didgeridoo, followed by more dances from Burundi and a gift giving ceremony to Mrs Goolagong Cawley's family.
The VIP guests, including mayor John Dal Broi, Member for Murray, Mrs Helen Dalton, and members of Evonne Goolagong's family were then served a three course menu of traditional food prepared by Griffith restaurant Limone.
The play transformed Westend Stadium into the scene of a 1970's tennis court. Katie Beckett starred as Evonne Goolagong Cawley, supported by a cast of Luke Carroll, Katina Olsen, Jax Compton and Kyle Shilling.
Sunshine Super Girl is a stage production that tells the story of Mrs Goolagong Cawley's life growing up in Griffith and her achievements on the world stage of tennis. Yorta Yorta/Gunnakurnai playwright Andrea James wrote and directed the production. Wednesday night's show along with four more shows this month have been sold out.
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