River Crossing Highwire Camp 2020: Cons Costume

Celebrating the life, times and costumes of the world's first Indigenous AND most successful tight wire virtuoso, Con Colleano. Con was born of Aboriginal heritage in Lismore, NSW, 1899 on the lands of the Widjabul Wiabul people. Con developed the stage persona of a 'Spanish' toreador and was the first person to perfect the 'impossible' front saulto on the wire - part of an act that would bring him incredible fame and fortune internationally - including receiving a passport to Germany from Hitler in the '30's!

Our team explored Con's costume 'disguise' at the 'River Crossing' Highwire Camp, Dec 2020. Thanks to the young people and staff from Ghurrumbil Dreaming Indigenous Corporation and Pax and Teale and the creative team - Hamish McCormick (photos and video), Karla Dickens, Djon Mundine, Annemaree Dalzeil (costumes), Kirk Page, Dylan Singh, Coedie McCarthy (beats & audio. Many thanks to our superb design and rigging team - Joey Ruigrok, Jon Blake and Lachy Shelley and our crew and volunteers. This project was made on Bundjalung land and we pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. It was an honour to work with you. 

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.