The Grass Is Dead On The Other Side was a performance like no other. It was filled with rap, poetry, hip-hop and a whole lot of passion. Presented by Anisa Nandaula in partnership with Brisbane Powerhouse, The Grass Is Dead On The Other Side demonstrated that there are ways to engage the mainstream audience regarding issues surrounding social justice, and that maybe just maybe, that could be through zombies.
But it’s so much more than just zombies. We are used to Hollywood films, perhaps some of us not all, that feature these bizarre looking creatures called ‘zombies’ but what is it about them? The fact that they are brainless and have no sense of self? Perhaps that’s what the point here is. To show that people aren’t meant to be brainless, and that’s clearly why we are the opposite of zombies - full of life, with our own character and way of being.
In The Grass Is Dead On The Other Side, Anisa Nandaula plays Zumbi and is protective of and close to her dear brother Pemulwuy, played by Adam Koudi. In this apocalyptic zombie world run by a white supremacist, it is clear how devastating these power dynamics are and whilst exaggerated for effect, also reflect the current state of our society in Australia.
The Grass Is Dead On The Other Side is a powerful story looking at Indigenous rights, beliefs and values and comparing that to a man that thinks of these people as less than human. As mentioned earlier, this is exaggerated for effect and the villain constantly displays behaviour that would be considered absolutely outrageous in this day and age, and waltzes around with an entirely outdated set of views. Now this reflects racism at its core. This character is the embodiment of what it means to see colour and difference instead of similarity.
It is shows like these that open our eyes to the possibility of theatre. It is shows like these that make us think about what is important and to value and treasure cultures like these that have been ignored and shut down. It is shows like these that help us lift our eyelids and see the injustices of the world and writer Anisa Nandaula does this precisely.
This is a show for anyone and everyone to see. Yes, maybe the appeal to you might be zombies, but I can assure you you’ll be getting a lot more from it than what you’d normally be getting out of those kind of films. As part of the 2018 Wonderland Festival this show exhibits what it means to be a performer and a creative all in one. This is the kind of content worth seeing and supporting, and mentioning to friends and family, every chance you can get.
Sun 25th Nov, 2018
Turbine Studio, Brisbane Powerhouse
Joanna Letic