“CYCLOPS” is an intimate, gut-wrenching and ultimately life-affirming portrait of the ways, small and large, a group of African Australians maintain their balance in a time of personal, social and political strife through dance.
In 2018, leading up to the Victorian state elections, a surge of “frenzied” media coverage labelled the “African gang crisis” occurred in Melbourne. The “frenzy” was fuelled by statements made by the Federal opposition politician, Peter Dutton, based on several violent incidents involving African Australians.
The panic about “African gangs” left whole communities anxious and fearful. Many young African Australians, regardless of their place of origin, were being viewed as a threat by their neighbours and targeted by police, especially in public places and in groups.
After the election was over young African Australians reported suffering mental health problems, with several deaths by suicide leaving loved ones to feel that there was a connection between self-harm and the “African gangs” panic. The sensationalist “African gangs” reporting has stirred up social division and created enduring and lasting harm.
As a way to combat the gruelling negativity Lerato, a young migrant from Zimbabwe, boldly creates “CYCLOPS” a dancehall performance showcasing the power, passion and grace that African Australians bring to Australia through three main themes: Migration, Consequences and Community.
