Basically Black

Screenings and poetry

Presented by Lionel Fogarty, in partnership with the Northern Territory Writers Centre.

Evolving from the newly established National Black Theatre's stage production, Basically Black combined comedy activism and performing parts while reflecting the political struggles and organising of the 1960's and 70's Redfern. The first TV program performed by an all-Indigenous cast and led by Blak writers, this groundbreaking program tackled serious issues, like racism and white paternalism, through humour. Despite being well received for its biting satire and commentary, the show didn't air beyond its premiere. It later emerged that is was considered too political and provocative for the ABC, who had censored parts of the script.

Lionel Fogarty (b. 1958, Cherbourg, Australia) was born on Wakka Wakka land at Cherbourg Aboriginal Reserve in south-east Queensland. A Murri man, he has traditional connections to the Yugambeh people from the area south of Brisbane and the Kudjela people of north Queensland. His writing demonstrates that he is a poet of language as much as of politics, repurposing both traditional poetics and the speech of his people to delineate current circumstances of oppression alongside a vision of independent Aboriginal identity. Having been involved with the Black Panther Movement, the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, he has his roots in the Blak activism of the 70s though hasn't ceased his passion and urge to push against colonial structures and the grain of society right through to today. After his 18 year old brother, Daniel Yock, died in police custody in 1993 his activism and poetry has addressed Aboriginal Deaths in custody. To this day he has published over 15 books and collections of award-winning poetry and lives today on his country in Undullah, QLD .

Thursday 26 May

5:30pm: Dinner served
6pm: Poetry and Q&A with Lionel Fogarty
7pm: Screening (27 mins)

BYO (no booze)
The Walk-In is an under-resourced cinema and we rely on a BYO hospitality attitude. We will provide warm food, fire and film, and request that you bring your own deck chair, swag, thermos, soup vessel, blanket and anything else you might need to keep yourself comfortable. 

Please note this is a dry event, there will be no alcohol served or permitted. It is family friendly, dog friendly, it is friendly to all.

Food
BYO bowl/cutlery for a serving of dinner (free).