The Eyes of Marege and Kera Putih the White Monkey

What reviewers say about EYES OF MAREGE:

“A beautiful simplicity illuminates the complexities tackled by The Eyes of Marege in movement, music and words. Its cross cultural themes embrace race, religion, relationships, government bureaucracy, community and tribal loyalties. There is humour and sadness, birth and death. Its span is epic…There is no neat conclusion to the story. One can assume that two happy relationships have been split apart, along with a trade communication between cultures that survived even a killing through mutual respect..” Jill Sykes, Sydney Morning Herald 8/10/07

“The Eyes of Marege has a cast of 12 and celebrates Indonesian people coming to an island in Arnhemland and mixing with the locals. There are themes of love, a battle over a sacred item, retribution and justice.” Manly Daily 5/10/07

Jigsaw Theatre company in Canberra showcased Julie Janson's play, Kera Putih (The White Monkey) in Australian primary schools. Kera Putih, combines traditional and contemporary art forms of Indonesia to encourage an appreciation of Indonesia among young Australians. The performance, tells the story of the meeting of an Australian girl and Indonesian boy and their rediscovery of the epic Ramayana story. In Canberra, the performance toured to 23 primary schools reaching 6000 children. The Melbourne tour was in 2001.

'The Kera Putih performance assists LOTE (language other than English) Indonesian program by setting the scene of some of the cultural aspects of Indonesia, the masks, language, costumes, musical instruments, religion… An excellent and enjoyable performance.'—Teacher evaluation.