The Australian History Show

Jan 'Yarn' Wositzky

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Year 9 is a notoriously difficult audience and you were able to capture their interest with your stories – particularly the one about the taipan! They were certainly challenged by the themes of being Australian that you presented.
Brentwood Secondary College

Overall a very entertaining and educational show. Jan demonstrates a diversity and richness of the Australian character.
Sth. George Town PS, Tas.

Presented by Jan 'Yarn' Wositzky, a founder of the famous Bushwackers Band (1971), respected and popular performer of Australian culture and history, The Australian History Show is an entertaining and informative mix of songs, stories and music.

In this performance, Jan plays 5-string banjo, bones, spoons, ukelele, bodhran and introduces other home made and found instruments for students to play.

Jan can tailor your show to meet your curriculum focus, with a vast repertoire from many of the cultures and histories that have contributed to Australian society. A mix of archival and contemporary material invites comparisons between ‘then’ and ‘now’. Through Jan’s travel experiences students get a sense of other parts of Australia – traditions, environment, as well as key events in Australian history.

Regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, Jan has considerable working and friendship experiences with Indigenous Australians, and whilst he does not speak on their behalf, he has a range of songs and stories to pass on to students, both personal and historical.

And there are ‘people stories’ associated with many events in Australia’s development, including:

* Convict songs
* European colonization and the impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
* Civil and political rights with songs about the Gurindji walk- off, land rights
* Diggers tales of the gold rushes
* Trade unions from 1891
* Traditional bush songs and poetry
* and lots more - if you have a particular focus - he'll work it in!

And there's lots of fun and participation!

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.

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More Reviews

Everyone thought that you hit the right spot with our students. A couple of kids spoke to me during the day and were fascinated by the quirky stories and the range of musical instruments you played.
Brentwood Secondary College

The stories got the children hooked straight away and the frank and honest answers to questions was great. With excellent use of common articles for music, every child wanted to be in the show.
Sth Georgetown PS

Show Details

Type

incursion

Year Level Suitability

Prep-2 to 10-12

Curriculum area

History

Themes

Australian History And Culture, Music, Stories, Then And Now, Geographical Differences Across Australia, Languages In Australia, Immigration, Colonial, Indigenous, Home Made Instruments, Music For Fun.

Artform

Drama, Live Music, Music Theatre

Duration

60 minutes, plus generous question time

Cost

$5 per student $500 minimum per show (Travel and accomodation may apply in some locations.)

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

Availability

Melbourne, Regional Victoria and Southern NSW.

PRESS THE GREEN BUTTON to directly contact the booking team!

Enquiry/Booking Request