Stuarts Point dancer performs with international artists in Bellingen Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley - popup ad Nambucca Valley News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 16, 2024 Alfira O’Sullivan dancing with guest artists Greg Filastine and Nova Ruth on stage INDONESIAN dancer Alfira O’Sullivan from Stuarts Point recently performed with international artists in ‘Artivism At Sea: The Voyage of Arka Kinari’, a one-night act in Bellingen featuring a live documentary performance of storytelling, music and video. On stage, artists Grey Filastine from Spain (percussion/videography and narration) and Nova Ruth (vocals and electric guitar) from Indonesia spoke of their journey with other activists to spread a global climate change message from their 70-tonne ship the Arka Kinari over the past five years. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The artists have witnessed Indonesian ports which are obsolete because of rising water levels, divided whaling communities who threatened to burn their ship, and survived “the doldrums” during the COVID period when all ships in international waters were stranded at sea and not allowed to dock. When they perform, they also include local artists and meet communities to learn about the environmental issues they face. Alfira is from the Indonesian Province of Aceh, and was trained in traditional Javanese in Java. Her contemporary dance is informed by her traditional training. She has an Indonesian dance company based in Sydney called ‘Suara Indonesia Dance’, but resides in Stuarts Point with her husband Murtala, so their two children can attend Scotts Head Public School. The local school proudly runs the only specialised bilingual Indonesian program in NSW, with Murtala working there as a Cultural Teacher’s Aide. “Tonight was pretty special as the project is really amazing,” Alfira told NOTA. “They’ve performed at major festivals like the Sydney Biennale where my dance company is going to be on 6 April to perform and give public workshops.” Suara Indonesia Dance is also performing in Canberra at the National Folk Festival from 28-30 March. By Mary KEILY The 70-tonne Arka Kinari ship. The show has travelled around the world, this time seen in Bali.
