Journey of the Karen

You enter a Myanmar village before dawn, gather round a fire, share food, and as day breaks move into the community among the animals, children, music, and work.  Giant glowing puppets float between you weaving a familiar story of love and desire – until the military arrive and burn it all down.  This is Journey of the Karen – an immersive, multi-media, visually stunning work that charts the Karen’s journey from the mountain villages of Myanmar, to refugee camps in Thailand, to the western plains of Victoria.
Created by members of the Karen communities in Horsham and Nhill in collaboration with Black Hole Theatre, told by performers across generations and cultures using giant glowing puppets, original music, and video, Stories of the Karen speaks both to the Karen experience and to that of many migrants – one of persecution, resistance, escape, and survival. It’s a powerful testament to the strength of community and the importance of sharing untold stories. It happened long ago, and happens now.  A story that echoes around the world.

Devised, designed and performed by community members from Nhill and Horsham, in collaboration with Black Hole Theatre and a creative team including:
Director: Nancy Black
Assisted by John Bolton
Facilitator: Alistair Shaw
Community Liaison Officers: Christinedah Gaw and Hser Wah Po
Set, Video, Projections: Dave Jones
Puppets: Mary French
Sound Design: David Franzke
Media: Abstract Projects
Creative Producer: Tracey Skinner
Supported by: Creative Victoria, Horsham Rural City Council, Newsboys Foundation, Centre for Participation (Horsham), Hindmarsh Shire Council, Black Hole Theatre, Nat Frinj Biennale 2025

Next performances:
Nati Frinj Biennale Nov1 – Nov 2 – Natimuk, Vic