ACCOMPLICE develops distinctive programs of activities and ongoing projects for and by children and young people. Committed to harnessing and nurturing the creativity of young minds ACCOMPLICE has a yearly program of workshops, programs and touring projects that are specifically tailored to the Northern Territory's next generation.

In 2024-25 we are planning a program that celebrates the imagination of young people and the unique outdoor spaces that make up our tropical home in Garramalang/Darwin. A program of residencies will culminate in a program of activities in the October school holidays.

Nona and Me

In 2017 we began the development of a performance work based on award winning young adults book Nona and Me by Clare Atkins.

Nona and Me is set in Yirrkala and is about Nona, an Aboriginal teenager and her childhood friend Rosa, a non Aboriginal teenager growing up with the political backdrop of the intervention, and the personal backdrop of coming of age across two cultures.

This project was grown out of a desire to produce and tour work uniquely created for Northern Territory remote venues and audiences, particular young people. ACCOMPLICE seeks to create high quality work for NT young people that speaks to them, and reflects back their stories, while at the same time creating a magical theatrical experience that develop their relationship with art.

A development will be undertaken in Yirrkala in July 2019 and than a work in progress showing in Garrmalang/Darwin in October 2019. Final developments and rehearsals will be undertaken in 2020, followed by a remote NT tour.

Hosted by a local writer in a lounge room setting, Write Now is a laid-back get-together where you can work on whatever you like and be inspired by the constant tap of productive fingers and minds. You won’t be asked to share your writing (you can do that at Wild Words!) but you will get to share in a delicious afternoon tea and the buzz of writing together.

Presented by ACCOMPLICE in partnership with StoryProjects

Write Now is on hiatus for now, you can join our Facebook group to keep update with get togethers and writing opportunities.

Ben Graetz is a local Garrmalang/Darwin man and descendant of the Iwaidja and Malak Malak Clans. He undertook a residency with Tiwi Sista Girls - Shaun aka Shaniqua Kerinaiua and Crystal Love - which explored the lived experience of Indigenous LGBTIQA+ people, particularly those in remote NT communities.

In 2018 this project included filmed interviews, elder consultation, development of performances and community conversations, culminating in a week of events at Wurrumiyanga/Nguiu on Bathurst Island. Future projects in this initiative could include: Queer Black Cabaret, Shaniqua The Show and remote NT engagement with LGBTIQA+ and their communities.

The aims of the Queer Blak Project will continue over coming years building on knowledge and ideas from the development year.

QUEER BLAK CABARET

In 2019 Ben Graetz undertook initial creative developments for a new queer black cabaret working with Aboriginal Queer artists from across Australia. RAIIN had it’s first stage development with 6 creatives from around Australia spending a week in Darwin devising this new work with Ben.

SHANIQUA THE SHOW

Planning commenced in 2019 for Shaun aka Shaniqua Kerinaiua to begin creating their one-person show exploring the life and experiences of Shaun and Shaniqua. Shaun is committed to highlighting the stories of Aboriginal Queer people living in remote Australia.

REMOTE NT ENGAGEMENT

WITH LGBTIQA+ AND THEIR COMMUNITIES

We will continue to develop programs that support, engage and respond to the needs of LGBTIQA+ remote Indigenous people. Through programs that specifically for and with LGBTIQA+ people while also working the broader community to build understanding and resilience.

Opening Celebration

The star-studded Arafura Opening Celebration includes a special Larrakia Welcome and showcases some of the Northern Territory’s greatest First Nation’s musicians, local artists, community and cultural groups. Closing the evening out with award-winning hip hop artist, the Fresh Prince of Arnhem Land, Baker Boy.

Featuring:

Larrakia Welcome
Larrakia community Elders, Adults and youth, David Kurnoth, Dotti Fejo, Eytahnyia Scott, Gary Lang, Kay Villaflor, Kenbi Dancers, Leah Flanagan, Liam Stansfield, Lorraine Williams, Lynette Fejo, North Wind Didj Orchestra, Mary Williams, Maureen Family, NT Dance Company, O’Laughlin Catholic College Choir (recorded), Patricia Kurnoth, Richard Fejo, Shaun Lee, Shellie Morris, Tibby Quall, Tony Lee, Trent Lee

Arafura Nations Showcase
Chung Wah Society Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe, Passion of the Pacific, Kribati Cultural Group, Kultura Dance Collective, Sri Lankan Multicultural Dance Academy, Tunas Mekar Balinese Cultural Collective, Loto Taha, Moale Dance Group of Papua New Guinea and NT Thai Association Inc

Let’s Celebrate
Baker Boy

General
Stage and Fencing Design – Kay Villaflor, Hair and Make Up - DMKM Beauty Studios, Fireworks – KC’s Fireworks Displays

Closing Celebrations

The Arafura Closing Celebrations is a distinctive tribute to the Arafura Sea and its people. The program platforms schools, local dance companies and some of the Northern Territory’s finest musicians, Shellie Morris, Leah Flanagan, Stevie Jean and Skinnyfish Sound System.

Featuring:

MC
Lisa Pellegrino

Mother Arafura
Shellie Morris, Leah Flanagan, Stevie Jean, Djolpa McKenzie, Michael Tan, Kingsley Oldmeadow and the True Colours Choir

Parade of the Sea
Aly de Groot and the Groote Eylandt Weavers, and participating schools (Darwin Middle School, Nightcliff Primary School, Casuarina Senior College, St John’s Catholic College, Milner Primary, Marrara Christian College, Palmerston College)

We Are One
Rix Kix Arts, Express Studios, Darwin Gymnastics

Let the Party Begin!
Skinnyfish Sound System

General
Stage and Fencing Design – Kay Villaflor, Site Design (Sculptures) – facilitated by Aly de Groot and the Groote Eylandt Weavers, Wardrobe – Provenance with Injalak Arts Fabrics and Tina McCourt from Dance World, Hair and Make Up - DMKM Beauty Studios, Fireworks – KC’s Fireworks Displays

Rehearsal Images