Exoticism
Lucky Lartey & Vishnu Arunasalam
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Credits:Thomas E.S Kelly in Kuramanunya. Photo: Tristan Ronald Estevez Petuel
In this solo performance, Thomas E.S. Kelly (Minjungbal, Wiradjuri and Ni-Vanuatu) honours the fallen and the forgotten – those whose stories echo in red earth, wind, and water. This is one man's tribute to ancestral strength, spirit, and the enduring legacy of First Nations people.
"My feet walk on land that is red blood soaked. Black burnt, yellow sun drenched country. Stories from thousands of years. Songs eternally kept on the wind and water.
I honor lines that have been cut. Poisoned, shot and led to the cliff’s edge. Those who passed to the spirit world before their kin could arrive from the dreaming to continue a physical lineage.
Remembering the stories that remain unwritten and unspoken, returned to the earth and stars that they arrived from. Acknowledging that First Nations people are descendants of those who fought for land, family and identity. Not everyone continued to walk this physical world, many returned to the spirit world.
Kuramanunya honours them. Kuramanunya. The story is told." – Thomas E.S. Kelly
Kuramanunya is shown as a double bill with Exoticism.
"This show is powerful. It is thought-provoking, challenging, and vital. It deserves to be shown again and again."
Theatreview (NZ)
- Choreographer & performer – Thomas E.S. Kelly
- Co-directors – Thomas E.S. Kelly, Vicki Van Hout
- Dramaturg – Taree Sansbury
- Production/stage manager – Belinda Gerard
- Sound designer – Samuel Pankhurst, Jhindu-Pedro Lawrie
- Co-writers – Emily Wells, Thomas E.S. Kelly
- Set design – Tiffany Beckwith-Skinner
- Lighting design – Christine Felmingham
- Costume design – Selene Cochrane
- Photo credit - Simon Woods
Karul is proudly supported by multi organisational funding from Arts Queensland and the City of Gold Coast.
Photos: Tiffany Garvie
This event is presented as a double bill with Exoticism and takes place in an intimate indoor theatre setting, creating a private and immersive experience. A paid bar will be available before and after the performance. Audience participation is encouraged, so come ready to engage with the work and its themes. Please note: this is a smoke-free event, and dogs are not permitted.
- Accessibility for low vision
- Accessible for hard of hearing
- Language no barrier
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessible toilets
- Gender neutral toilets
We strive to ensure our programs and events are inclusive and accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility requirements, including Auslan Interpreters, mobility assistance, hearing support, or other accommodations, please contact our team at [email protected].
This program may contain culturally sensitive stories and may contain images of those who have passed. It may contain mild coarse language.
By car
If you are travelling by car – All day parking is available on William Street. Limited all day parking is also available in the car park on the corner of Sydney and Howard Streets. Limited 2 & 3 hour parking is available on Howard, Sydney and Maud Streets.
By foot
Old Ambo is an 8 minute walk from Nambour train station.
Horizon Festival acknowledgments
Kuramanunya is presented by Horizon Festival 2026 in partnership with The Old Ambulance Station.
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