Decolonising the Bells

Decolonising the Bells re‑imagines a familiar instrument whose sound carries deep colonial symbolism.

This work foregrounds and problematises Victoria’s Federation Handbells and their emblematic significance as a gift associated with the formation of Australia.

In this intimate and poignant concert by Aaron Wyatt, Speak Percussion and special guest bellringers, audiences are surrounded by historically resonant, moving sounds. A lone viola weaves through harmonically pure, pealing bells, revealing their remarkable precision. Twelve bell ringers overlap in performance – present and absent at once.

Taking Speak Percussion’s highly successful community engagement project Bell Curve as its starting point, the work deconstructs it, demolishes it, and decolonises it.

Decolonising the Bells asks, what’s in a name? What are the consequences of symbolic power, and the limits of symbolic counter‑action?

Kindred People is an Indigenous‑led gathering held on Boonwurrung Country, guided by Elders and an Indigenous Steering Committee. Each event sits within a broader program of ceremony, performance and knowledge exchange, grounded in respect for Country and the sharing of living Indigenous knowledges. These works invite audiences to listen deeply, learn together and come to the gathering with care.

ARTISTIC TEAM
Lead Artist Aaron Wyatt
Collaborating Artist Kaylie Melville
Decolonising Practices Consultant Amy Spiers
Bell Players Students from Worawa Aboriginal College and Monash University
Lighting Bronwyn Pringle
Sound Consultant Alistair McLean
Clapsticks Instrument Design and Creation Adam Manning
Technical Support, Set Design and Construction Rohan Goldsmith
Bell Curve Composer Eugene Ughetti
Bell Curve Source Materials Speak Percussion
Producer Biddy Connor