General News
31 October, 2026
Innisfail actor awakes to new sunrise
INDIGENOUS performer Maria Martin is starring in the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association’s end-of-year show at Sydney’s Carriageworks late next month.
The show – ‘Goeyga Buya. Banal. Djarrawawuy: Sun Cycle’ – closes NAISDA’s 50th year and is being directed by former students Thomas E.S. Kelly and Taree Sansbury.
In a prodigious conclusion to NAISDA’s landmark 50th year, the former students are returning to where it all began for their acclaimed First Nations performing arts company Karul Projects.
Working with NAISDA’s current students, including Ms Martin, they will bring their creative voice and expression to the Carriageworks stage from 26-28 November.
Sun Cycle celebrates five decades of First Nations-led education, culture and creative excellence, reflecting the generations of artists who have come through NAISDA while looking firmly towards what comes next.
Drawing its title from three languages: Goeyga Buya, Sunrise in Kala Lagaw Ya, Banal, Sun in Darkinjung and Djarrawawuy, Sunset in Gumatj, Sun Cycle traces the arc of the sun from first light through twilight dreaming to the promise of a new sunrise.
The journeys of Mr Kelly and Ms Sansbury reflect that cycle. Working across dance, theatre and sound, amplifying First Nations’ voices, visibilities and stories locally, nationally and internationally.
Read More: Innisfail