Tracks Dance Studio, Harbouriew Plaza, Darwin City

4 shows only

Saturday 15 Aug - Sunday 16 Aug
50-minute duration
Tracks Dance Studio

Connecting generations through dance and storytelling.

The Nanna Effect is an intergenerational storytelling event that revitalises the rich tapestry of knowledge shared between young artists and our respected seniors.

The Nanna Effect is a beautiful collaboration between the Grey Panthers Seniors Dance troupe and community members aged 12 and under.

The Nanna Effect (noun)

Research shows that, through evolution, grandmothers increase the survival and success of their descendants through the positive influence that a grandmother has on the health, wellbeing, resilience, and development of younger generations through consistent care, emotional support, wisdom, and the transmission of knowledge. Nannas embrace the important responsibility of sharing their wisdom while welcoming fresh and younger perspectives. As essential pillars of our community, they bridge generations, carrying with them rich traditions, wisdom, and cultural heritage that inspire the youth. Through resilience, lifelong learning, and an unwavering spirit, Nannas impart valuable lessons of grace and positivity. Active in the community, they orchestrate gatherings, support families, and provide the connective tissue that binds us all together, often through the universal language of food.

Children uplift us: imagining, saying and doing things that adults only wish they could. Their minds are not burdened with the cynicism of age, nor their bodies wearied with the damage of time. They live, breathe and dance the joy of life.

The Nanna Effect combines these two powerful forces in a memorable performance full of laughter, tears, reflection and life-affirming silliness. Combining the wisdom of Nannas with the folly of youth, theatre maker Alyson Evans draws out stories from our Nannas and grandchildren, enabling them to share personal experiences of time, memory and place.

The audience witnesses the profound impact of The Nanna Effect, where wisdom meets imagination, and the dance of generations begins.

Scenario

• Hands Up, Hands Down, we're on Larrakia Ground - Acknowledgement
• Passing on knowledge from one - Rachael, Gulpulul, Mariwirrku
• Passing on knowledge to Many - Rachael, Gulpulul, Mariwirrku, young dancers, David, Marian
• Tell me about your Nanna. Obelia asks the questions.
• My Nanna's really old
• Nanas are Fun and Fit
• This is my Nanna -  Obelia and Sue
• Kids draw their Nannas
• Grandma's Grandma - Seniors thinking of their seniors
• The Cycle of Nanna Life - 4 generations turn around

This show has many people who have contributed. The stories span five generations and beyond. Some are performing live; some have given their stories through recordings. Some have had a Nanna Natter in parks, while some have simply had conversations with and about Nannas. Children have drawn their Nannas, while the collection of Nanna photographs clearly speaks of more than a moment captured in time.

Cast: (Live Performers)

Our Nannas
Di Lucas, Ellen Hankin, Lyn Minchin, Marian Patterson, Natina Demetriou, Nikki Charlesworth Canning, Rachael Wallis, and Sue Mornane.

Our Grandkids
Amilun Wuda, Dusty Saunders, Evylyn Lin, Gulpulul Marika, Ivy Chrichton, Lyra Chrichton, Mariwirrku Marika, Obelia Hartney, Ruth Pardy

Recorded Storytellers
Aida Paterson, Alex Nebauer, Amilun Wuda, Anaya Zehra, Ariella De Andrado George, Asher Barton, Damien Nothnagl, Darryl Butler, Delilah Chen, Di Lucas, Ellen Hankin, Evylyn Lin, Florian McHugh, Gulpulul Marika, Hannah Fergusan, Janine Sutter, Kunzang Sherpa, Layla Kirby, Lyn, Minchin, Lyra Chrichton, Maria Vlastuin, Marian Patterson, Mariwirrku Marika, Natina Demetriou, Nikki Charlesworth Canning, Obelia Hartney, Oscar van den Heuval, Pyxis White, Ruth Pardy, Ryan Stephenson, Stephanie Zhang, Sue Mornane

Yolŋu Song Man (recorded)
Guruguru Marika

Director: Alyson Evans
Assistant Director: David McMicken
Music Producer, Sound Operator: James Mangohig
Choreographers: Rachael Wallis, Kelly Beneforti, David McMicken, Jenelle Saunders, Jess Devereux
Production Management, Documentation, Technical Operator: Duane Preston
Graphic Design, Marketing: Ciella Williams
Company Director: Alana James
Additional Video Footage: Leigh Brammell

Head Usher: Sally Crawford
Volunteers: Janine Sutter, Esther Eggers, Claudia Lee, Julie Pudney

Collecting Stories
We are collecting stories about Nannas. Maybe you are a Nanna, or you have a story about your Nanna. You can either submit a written story or record a story.

Follow the link to record your story.
Timekeepers Story Collection

This show comes with a content warning: Extreme Cuteness.