The opening ceremony for this year’s 5 Lands Walk will be held at 5pm on June 25 at Hunter Park, Avoca Beach, based on the theme of multi-cultural connection.
5 Lands Walk Creative Director and internationally acclaimed artist, Yantra de Vilder, said she believed it is creative and cultural humanity which links members of the community.
“Beyond race, belief and politics, the arts are the portal to that shared experience,” she said.
“As musicians we are emerging from a dark tunnel of lockdown where we were not able to perform together – now, we are free to celebrate our place and people with song and dance.
De Vilder said the Opening Ceremony would honour our multi-cultural and diverse world, featuring guest performers from Russia, South Africa, China, Spain, as well as indigenous performers from the Maori and Aboriginal Cultures.
“For over six years I have been guided by my indigenous friends from the Aboriginal Committee for 5 Lands Walk – they teach me to listen, learn and grow.
“Every year we are welcomed to The Gathering and The Awakening in the lead-up to the 5 Lands Walk.
“These are profound events of spiritual and cultural significance and an important symbol of reconciliation in our local community.”
5 Lands Walk President Pauline Wright, said, most of the songs for the Opening Ceremony are original pieces written specifically for the event by de Vilder.
“They are designed to connect people to people and people to place,” Wright said.
“They speak of reconciliation, resilience, faith and the fragility of our human condition.
The performance will feature the 30-piece Ephemera Community Choir and some of the Coast’s finest musicians, dancers, projected art work and a light show.
Source:
Media release, Jun 7
5 Lands Walk