19 August 2014 8:15pm & 20 August 2014 6pm & 8:15pm Brown’s Mart Theatre
Sitting at the very back of the packed-out Brown’s Mart Theatre on the world premier of Yasukichi Murakami – Through a Distant Lens, I thought I could hear every murmur, each gasp, laughter and finally, sniffle by the group of dozen Murakami family members who sat in the front row.
In making this work, listening became the most important thing to do. To listen carefully to the voice of Yasukichi Murakami’s spirit, the voices of the creative collaborators, and to my own inner voice of truth. This active listening required more effort than to speak out loud. For many years I had thought it a vital process of becoming an artist to express, and out loudly, but through this project, I have learned expressive less, more receptive, let go, and allow the creative to emerge as it naturally flowed outwards.
Although those Murakami family members who had received a copy of the script gave their blessing, I was still very worried whether the family members would like how their ancestor was portrayed on stage. To my relief, when we met at the theatre forecourt after the show, it was obvious that they were pleased with the results.
Phew.
Cast and crew with Murakami family members after the premier of Yasukichi Murakami Through a Distant Lens photo by Greg Aitkin. Front row L to R – Veronica McLennan, Arisa Yura, Mayu Kanamori, Julie Murakami, Jacqueline Murakami, Annette Shun Wah, David Murakami, Terumi Narushima. Back row L to R -Malcolm Blaylock, Calvin Murakami, Maius Lai, Kevin Murakami, Peter Murakami, Yvonne Wood, Benjamin Brockman.
It was important to premier this work as part of Darwin Festival, Darwin’s most prestigious and recognised art festival, because this is where Yasukichi Murakami and his family were arrested as an enemy alien and it is where most of his descendants live today. Because of this, Darwin is where the honour of his name and work need to be remembered, acknowledged and celebrated the most.
– Posted by Mayu Kanamori
About Murakami 
Hello Mayu, I am trying to reach Yvonne Wood, who I met this past May in Borneo (she and Tony travelled together with me and my husband from Lahad Datu to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge). I lost their contact info so I have been searching the internet. My husband and I are going to be in Darwin in October so I would like to contact them. Would you either me willing to send me her (or Tony’s) email address or give them mine: ivybroder@gmail.com. Thanks so much (I think I found the right Yvonne from the picture on your blog, although it was difficult to see – – PS, we are from Washington DC and are very excited about our first trip to Australia).
Hello Ivy
Thank you for your message. I don’t have Yvonne’s contact details, but have Julie Murakami’s email address so I will email her today with your today. I am sure she can put you in touch with Yvonne and also will be able to confirm if she is the right person (she would know if Yvonne was in Borneo last May). I will email you as soon as I hear back.
Mayu