Last ovation for `little black duck’ Saunders: [6 NSW Country Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 14 May 2007: 6.
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Abstract
Host, Aboriginal actor Aaron Pedersen, described her as a pioneer of the industry and joked: “I can hear her saying, just get on with it.” A new generation of indigenous actors, himself included, owed their careers to her constant encouragement. “She saw us as her children in so many ways,” he said. “I bravely called her mum one day and she accepted that and called me son.” Aboriginal playwright Wesley Enoch set the tone of mirth when he said [Justine Saunders] had left him with instructions “not to tell anyone how bossy she was”.
Full Text
THE tone was a mixture of laughter and tears as Australia’s theatrical community farewelled the pioneering actor who called herself “this little black duck”.
Almost a month after her death, aged 54, Justine Saunders got the standing ovation she so richly deserved at a celebration of her life at the Sydney Opera House. Friends, family and doyens of Australian theatre — Bruce Beresford, Neil Armfield, Barry Otto and Noelene Brown — farewelled the trailblazing Aboriginal actor.
Many of those who spoke addressed “Auntie Jussie” as if she was listening to them, telling of her courage, her dignity, her compassion and her love of a good party. They also spoke of an activist who had been “ramming down the doors” of cultural institutions, including the ABC and the Australian Film Commission, for decades.
Host, Aboriginal actor Aaron Pedersen, described her as a pioneer of the industry and joked: “I can hear her saying, just get on with it.” A new generation of indigenous actors, himself included, owed their careers to her constant encouragement. “She saw us as her children in so many ways,” he said. “I bravely called her mum one day and she accepted that and called me son.” Aboriginal playwright Wesley Enoch set the tone of mirth when he said Saunders had left him with instructions “not to tell anyone how bossy she was”.
“She was a fighter and a voice in the silence. She fought against `poor fellow me roles’, she fought for us to be characters who were not just raped and beaten,” he said. “Her battles were before we had the choices we have today, when she would raise her voice and say `I’m not going to do that, not this Little Black Duck’. We must continue the fight.”
The event was organised by Saunders before her death after a long battle with cancer.
Writer, actor and presenter Rhoda Roberts said Saunders had made a profound contribution to the renaissance of black theatre and taught them how to drink coffee, smoke cigarettes and work till 3am. “She has just gone on to another show,” she said.
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