Tales from the Colony | Voices of Colour & Skin Deep Collective

It’s hard to believe that it took only ten days for ‘Tales from the Colony’ to be created and then performed on stage. For a work that was complexed, multifaceted and spoke on deep themes and issues, it was suspiring to hear how quick it took for it all to come together, but that’s also a testament to the rawness that was on full display. And when the ending came, the audience on their feet standing, clapping and cheering on in praise: the emotional toll on six incredible performers was evident, and with that the realisation of what we had experienced was more than a show, but a journey of exposing truths, finding identity and baring trauma.

‘Tales from the Colony’ by The Skindeep Collective and in support with Voices of Colour was something that I had high expectations for. As a First Nations Australian and a person with a Disability, my road to getting here is one of difficulties. My continued search for identity while navigating through the impact of systemic racism and the stigma around my health is still something I struggle with.  

Grace Edward, Janaki Gerard, Devika Krishnan, Mariah Pelesa, Yashan Thilakarante and Naavikaran were able to create a compelling show of theatre with diverse voices that need to be heard. Voices that I needed to hear. Through their sharing experiences of trauma and pain, it allowed me to feel that I am not alone. There was a strong sense of connection and community as they moved about on stage through song, dance, and storytelling.

Skin Deep Collective. From left to right, Devika Krishnan, Yashán Thilakaratnè, Grace Edward, Naavikaran, Janaki Gerard & Mariah Pelesa.

Before ‘Tales from the Colony’ started, we had the opportunity to hear a spoken word poetry performance by Huda Fadlelmawla, each piece delivered with strength and conviction and foreshadowing themes of what we would later see during the night. The hilarious Anisa Nandaula had many in the room bursting with laughter with her no holds barred stand-up act that explored identity and colourism and then followed with her own powerful spoken word performance. Both Huda and Anisa were able to showcase their talents and personalities immensely and add to the overarching concept of the show.

‘Tales from the Colony’ doesn’t hold back. It’s confronting and real, not afraid to tell uncomfortable truths. It’s an important piece of work that we need more of as it transcends theatrics and creates a discussion point of an honest perspective of the past and where it is we need to be moving forward to. It’s a show that can educate, inspire, make deep connections, cultivate hope, and allow stories of courage to be told without fear of being ridiculed. Allowing people of colour and diversity a stage where they can express themselves in their most authentic way.

Artistically, it’s a great show too. The storytelling throughout was strong and with the dance and music aspects, it made for a vibrant production that moved at a quick pace and never once did I feel like it dragged. Each performer standing out with their unique skills in full force, their honest truths and struggles open for us to witness but knowing that they were doing this for an important reason. The show built and built until ultimately coming to an end with an enthralling movement routine by Mariah Pelesa accompanied to the song ‘Stand Up’ by Cynthia Erivo from the Harriet Soundtrack that had many of the audience in awe. It was during this moment where it really set in that I had watched something incredibly special.

‘Tales from the Colony’ was a wonderful performance. The Skindeep Collective were able to use the theatre to tell personal stories and shine a light on Australia’s ugly past, and the ongoing impact of post colonisation. But there was also a feeling of overcoming, relief, and celebration as it ended. It spoke to me on a personal level and it has potential to reach a far audience with its relevancy and crusade of breaking down the systemic barriers of discrimination. This exceeded my expectations and is something I highly recommend.