July, 2015
WHOLE OF THE MOON
Susie Skinner is a storyteller who, along with Banjo the Jack Russell is about to set off on a boat journey, mapping
the River Murray from Cadell to Caloote over the duration of a moon cycle.
Susie chose to work in the Mid Murray area due to the influence of a friend, the well-known author and bushman Rex Ellis, a consultant on the project.
“Rex has been a mentor throughout my life because of his knowledge of the bush and because he tells a mean
story,” said Susie.
The idea of rebirth is a theme in her work, “We all have births and deaths throughout our lives. Some deaths
make more of an impact than others - the sudden death of my mother, for instance, shook my world. But the
death of my mother does not mean my relationship has ended with her. Our relationships with people, animals
and things continue beyond death. I am using the river as a metaphor for my mother in my work - mother mother earth - life giving force,” she said.
“The regeneration of the river gives me hope - life keeps growing - nature can be very generous. But death is
always there - the shadow of death is always there and it's something I believe that needs to be heeded. Unless
you live right on the river, unless your relationship with the river is intimate, you might not realise the damage and
degradation of this life giving force that you may or may not be responsible for. My project is a master class given
by the river with the focus on death rebirth and resilience as process - of the river itself and its inhabitants.”
Whole of the Moon is a journey - full of danger, surprise, beauty and questions - shared through story and song.
Join Susie on her journey;
NEW MOON Friday 14 August (3pm-sunset) Cadell Riverfront
The project will launch on Friday, 14 August under a new moon at the Cadell Riverfront with the community of
Cadell celebrating the “life and death” of the Murray River with original songs.
FIRST QUARTER Saturday, 22 August 3pm-sunset
The next port is Swan Reach, where a collaboration with local Sedan writer Joe Carli will celebrate the waxing
moon through poetry and song and a 20 minute live theatre performance written by Joe and performed by Susie.
Beverly Loveday’s book will also be launched here.
FULL MOON Sunday, 30 August 3pm-sunset
Just a little way down the mighty Murray, Susie will be welcomed to country by the traditional owners, the
Nganguraku People at their homeland town of Ngaut Ngaut. She will then be a guest at the opening of the Ngaut
Ngaut mooring posts by Mid Murray Mayor Dave Burgess, in honour of the late Richard Hunter.
LAST QUARTER Saturday, 5 September 3pm-sunset
Further on down the track at Walker Flat, visual artist Lyn wood will work with the local community to write
homage’s to the river that float away in the form of tiny paper boats whilst Susue serenades the last quarter of
the moon with a song.
NEW MOON Sunday, 13 September 3pm-sunset
Caloote under the new moon; another song, another celebration of the “life and the death” of the Murray River
with original songs and a book launch for local writer Rosemary Faehrmann.
BLOG: stay updated with Susie’s project here - www.thedirtsa.com.au/project/whole-of-the-moon/
Media enquiries: Joy Lothian [email protected] or (08) 8444 0417 / 0423 828 03