The Wetlands Suite (An illustrated book of poetry) NTUniprint, 1997.

This booklet was handed out as a program to accompany the premiere of the orchestral work by the same name.

The poems were read before each of the 7 movements that describe animals found in the Top End’s wetlands (Australia’s tropical north).

Original poems by Cathy Applegate, and illustrated by students from Kormilda College.

The students (indigenous and non-indigenous) collected natural materials from the bush to create collages. These were then photographed and included in the book.

At the original performance, the images were projected on a scrim and dancers portrayed the various animals.

The work has been performed with great success on Aboriginal communities on the Tiwi Islands, and at Daly River community.

At Daly River, the indigenous children performed traditional dance to the work, which was special indeed.

 

Out of print.

I have limited copies available. Please contact me for further details.

 

Excerpt:

 

FROGS by Cathy Applegate  

Copyright©1997 CathyApplegate

 

Night time on the billabong

 A mozzie buzzes past,

 Water lilies whisper

 To the fisherman’s last cast.

  

Quiet with creatures sleeping,

 Heads tucked under wings,

 Or curled amongst the grasses

 Whilst frogs begin to sing.

  

Then starts a raucous chorus,

 Crescendo to the stars,

 Fortissimo! Sforzando!

 The amphibian chorale