The Girmit

A chance of a lifetime!

To work and live in paradise, free travel, accommodation and food provided – The Dream.

Or nightmare for 2 Million Indian’s kidnapped or taken through coercion & blackmail to faraway countries to replace the gap left by the slavery system for something almost identical but rebranded.

An immersive experience through the Pacific’s untold history of indentured labour from India to Fiji, the Caribbean, South America and South Africa.

The Girmit is a unique work as it uses song, poetry, documentary style recorded narrations from archived accounts and experimental electronic music composition to tap into the emotions of the story. Nadia Freeman, takes props from the story, such as a conch shell or sugar cane to make noises that are looped to build soundscapes for each composition.

The Girmit was awarded the APRA AMCOS Art Music grant, and supported by Kia Mau Festival. The show’s debut had a sell-out season and was awarded outstanding Technical Achievement at the Dunedin Fringe Festival 2023. It has toured museums, galleries and theatres across New Zealand and ready for international stages.

Reviews:
“Freeman uses the juxtaposition between her own ethereal vocals and the horror of the past to create an ambience like nothing I have ever experienced. Her music is performed as a superb electronic live show, with Freeman mixing and creating her own sound directly on the stage in front of the audience.” – The Post

“A powerful mesmerising and moving theatre experience.” – Theatre Review

“Freeman is powerful and enticing. She has the patience and conviction of a long-time performer;” – Art Murmers

CREATIVE TEAM