Saltwater, Sugar
Dates
Hours
Duration
Location
Saltwater, Sugar is an epic new work from Papuan-Australian composer and Artistic Director of the Australian Art Orchestra, Aaron Choulai.
It is a story he tells from within the communities who carry it, touching on the interconnectedness of Chinese, Papua New Guinean and Indigenous people during the time of the Gold Rush in Victoria and Blackbirding in North Queensland.
Composed for the Australian Art Orchestra (AAO) as a 16-piece ensemble alongside Australian music luminaries Ngaiire and Joelistics, this hour-long musical work is built around themes of racial injustice, survival, friendship and often overlooked pockets of resistance during Australia’s colonial past.
A scored fictional narrative that draws on historical events, Saltwater, Sugar is set in the sound world of Duke Ellington, through the distinct voice of the Australian Art Orchestra. Performed in English and Tok Pisin, the piece moves between spoken dialogue, sung melodies and adventurous improvisation from some of Australia’s most important instrumental artists today.
An ambitious musical composition of scale, Saltwater, Sugar traces the friendships and resistance that formed across the very divisions colonial Australia depended on.
Content warning: Performance contains subject matter referencing historical instances of slavery
Explore our full Melbourne International Jazz Festival Program at Bunjil Place
Dates
Wednesday 21 October 2026
7.30 pm - 9.00 pm
Tickets
Concession* $20.00
Child 16 years and under $15.00
Mob Tickets** $10.00
*Concession applies to: Student Card (full-time), Carer Card, Health Care Card, Pension Card, Veterans Affairs Card, and all government-issued Seniors Cards.
**Mob Tickets: Available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audience members.
Please note: A Service fee of $3.50 applies to bookings made online and by phone (unless tickets are free of charge). Delivery Fees may also apply.
For general ticketing and box office information (including conditions of sale) see our Ticketing services information page.
For accessibility bookings or other box office inquiries please email bunjilplace@casey.vic.gov.au or phone 03 9709 9700.
Presented in partnership with the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Australian Art Orchestra.
