Wonders Down Under, Australian Stories & Music
(can include The Bush University)
Wonders Down Under is an interactive multifaceted performance adapted to any age level. Paul presents audiences with a unique look at the wonderful Aussie character through an exciting blending of, stories, songs, dance, painting, theatre and didgeridoo, drawing comparisons in American history and culture. Focusing on many of our cultural icons it honors both Aboriginal and European roots.
Wonders Down Under introduces audiences to the Aboriginal spiritual worldview, the Bush University, the Creation Story, teaching us to pay attention, care for our water, care for our land, to care for our place wherever we may be.
Wonders Down Under meets many curriculum standards and Paul's residencies can supplement all core curricular areas.
Depending on age, this show could feature:
-- dramatic story versions of classic Aussie folk songs with interactive particpation,
Home Among the Gum Trees with sign language
Didjeridoo Song with sign language, dance, Creation Story and didjeridoo.
Botany Bay, a Convict Story and the US War of Independence
Waltzing Matilda, origin of Matilda story, song story, historyand European Settlement
Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport and Cowboy/Stockman culture
Kookaburra Song, the Sun Lady story and song rhythm
Wangga Song, pay attention, introducing the Bush University, bird calls and signals from the bush.
Gujingga Song with boomerangs, story, science and throwing
--Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories told with permission and didjeridoo.
Wardaman Creation Story and Great Flood, introducing the 3 principal Wardaman Ancestors, Rainbow Serpent/Snake,
Nardi the Sky Father and Dungdung, Frog Lady Earth Mother.
The Rainbow Serpent/Snake, the oceans, the rivers, the didjeridoo, the termites, Spiritual Law and "Caring for Country"
Moon & Possum & Spirit Children, story of life/death and rebirth, regeneration and choosing our parents.
The Sun Lady, The woman who brings light to the world and why the kookaburras laugh every morning.
Brolga (dancing crane), The beauitful girl who loves to dance transforms into the beautiful dancing crane.
Gurrukmun the Frog, hilarious story of the frog who drinks all the water in the world including the ocean.
--A selection of classic Aussie Bush Ballads or cowboy poetry,
Clancy of the Overflow, by Banjo Paterson
Man From Snowy River by Banjo Paterson
Mulga Bill's Bicycle by Banjo Paterson
The Play by CJ Dennis
McArthur's Fart by Rob Bath & Andrew Bleby for select audiences.
School specials can include,
Convict Ancestor, a creative non-fiction story adapted from historical records
School Uniform, getting dressed for school in classic St. Michael's College uniform
Surf Life Saver, a hilarious skit saving a classmate from shark attack.
Folk Dancing, teaching heel & toe polka
Cricket.....dramatic teaching of the game.
Paul Taylor School Residency: Parley Coburn
For over 10 years, Paul conducted an annual 2 week school residency at Parley Coburn School, Elmira NY, with 100 third graders.
Gurrukmun The Frog
Paul tells this famous story to Kindergarten students at Oregon Trail Elementary. Told with permission of John Ferguson publishers from "David Gulpilil Stories from the Dreamtime." Filmed by Janet Wragge.
