CAPTAIN MOONLITE RIDES AGAIN
In 2020 during the Covid pandemic, I was approached by Cafs (Child and Family Services) Ballarat to take the creative lead on a project that was set to be a first for Ballarat in many ways.
A public show of support for Ballarat’s LGBTIQ community, shining a spotlight on arguably Ballarat’s first LGBTIQ Bushranger and a celebration of local and internationally acclaimed artists work projected on the wall of the historic Ludbrook house on Lydiard St during the month of March 2021.
Andrew George Scott (aka Captain Moonlite) was a fascinating things and was among many other things, a bushranger during the late 1800’s. His fascinating life story explores themes of isolation, hidden identity, questioning of sexuality and persecution, all themes that are still being explored by the LGBTIQ, commuity, particularly in Regional areas today.
It was my total honour to work with the incredibly supportive Cafs team to collect works from artists and curate them together into the 10 minute long projection which feature on the Cafs wall. As ususally happens, I immersed myself in this project during the editing period, playing with narrative and aesthetics to find the most powerful way to bring the project together and do justice to not only Captain Moonlite’s story, but the artist’s work and Cafs intentions for the outcomes. Despite watching it numerous times in various versions as I was editing, it wasn’t until I watched it together with the Cafs team for the first time (via zoom, as was the way during this Covid period) that tears came to my eyes. The work submitted by all the artists was so moving, with the artworks prefaced by a quote from each of the artists. I reflected on how far we’ve come in having a project like this not only supported, but projected in such a public way. I feel deeply grateful to Cafs for this initiative and to all the LGBTIQ people and ally’s that have come before me, who have struggled and suffered in order to be true to themselves to allow us to be here today.
As CEO of Cafs Wendy Sturgess said in an interview with the Moorabool Times “As a proud LGBTIQA+ ally, Cafs is hosting Captain Moonlite to facilitate inclusive conversations, encourage positive behaviour change and bring the community together.”
Above left is the teaser I created to promote the projection event.
Above right is a message I edited together from various people in the community showing their support for the project, including Ballarat’s Mayor.
Below is the final video that was projected on to the wall at Ludbrook House from 5 – 25th March 2021.
