The Go-Between: William Murrungurk Buckley

Jan 'Yarn' Wositzky

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Highly useful! A unique perspective of how Melbourne evolved and of the uneasy relationship between cultures. Jan had their attention for the full session. We loved the printed images on shirts and signposts to reinforce the information.
Adam Watman, Caulfield Grammar

A vivid tale, often spiked with larrikin humour, this is an educational and entertaining take on a classic Australian story.
Cameron Woodhead, The Age

Australian history: The Go-Between: William Murrungurk Buckley is story-theatre from Jan 'Yarn' Wositzky - Bushwackers Band founder, ABC history feature presenter, best-selling author, renowned storyteller musician, and much more.

'Buckley' deals with Indigenous Australia and European colonisation of the Port Phillip area, from 1803 – 1837, including Melbourne's birth, and does so by tracking the life of escaped convict William Buckley who for 32 years lived with Wathaurong people, then became the go-between in the birth of Melbourne.

The show includes:

* Victoria’s first attempted settlement at Sorrento, and Buckley’s 1803 escape.
* Buckley’s 32 years with Wathaurong Aboriginal people, where he became
Murrungurk.
* Buckley’s two years as the go-between in Melbourne’s foundation (1835-7), employed as
Interpreter between the Port Phillip Aborigines and the colonists John Batman, John
Fawkner and co.

The story is told through narration, song, characters, documents, maps, props and a visual set of bush poles, signposts and printed shirts that is built as the story evolves.

Participation
With scripts send ahead 3 students join Jan in the show.

You tube (from adult version)

BOOKINGS
To make a booking or enquiry, simply press the GREEN Enquiry/Booking Request Button above right to directly contact the booking team. They will answer you promptly to discuss your booking including when payment will be required.

Shows for Schools not only gathers all the great available shows, it also makes booking easier!

More Reviews

It’s obvious that Jan has worked with many school groups before, with his good rapport and ability to keep the attention of the students.
Scott McNulty, St Joseph’s College, Geelong

The students were relaxed and attentive, with good use of space, practical visual aids, and interesting detail on the characters involved, followed through to the end of their lives. Look forward to seeing you next year.
Mary Bullock, Braemar College, Woodend

‘Buckley’ was well researched and linked into our history program very well. His preparation of the participating students was professional and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Roger Crabtree, Eltham College of Education

Excellent. It supported what we had learnt in class and Jan was both commanding and credible to the students.
Jennifer Todd & Shelley Mulvenna, Karingal Park SC

Show Details

Type

incursion

Year Level Suitability

3-6 to 10-12

Curriculum area

History

Themes

Australian History, Colonisation, Indigenous Australia, History Of Melbourne & Port Phillip, Racial Conflict, Reconciliation.

Artform

Drama, Live Music, Visual Arts

Duration

60 minutes plus questions

Cost

$5 per student, with $500 minimum per show 10% discount for second show on same day (Travel and accomodation may apply for some locations.)

School Term:
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3, Term 4

Availability

Jan operates out of Castlemaine, Victoria, and is available all year in Victoria and southern NSW. For elsewhere in Australia it needs to be a string of shows, so please send Jan an enquiry and we'll see if he can come your way.
PRESS THE GREEN BUTTON to directly contact the booking team!

Enquiry/Booking Request