Lendlease has launched the second instalment of its video series, ‘Sydney Isn’t Sydney Without You’, a love letter celebrating the reconnection of people and place as Sydney’s CBD heart beats back to life.
In contrast to the first video which captured the empty streets of the CBD during lockdown, the second instalment follows movement artist Christopher Jhureea as he dances through the busy streets of Barangaroo, characterising the joy of Sydneysiders returning back to the city. With the easing of government restrictions, 95% of retail businesses at Barangaroo are now back open and trading.
Jacqui Stanton, Retail Marketing Manager, The Streets of Barangaroo and Darling Square said: “With this love letter, we wanted to celebrate the return of Sydneysiders to the city, pay our respects to the First Nations people on whose land we stand, and honour the hardworking hospitality and retail workforce who have re-opened their doors with a smile. Places are made by people and seeing the streets come back to life has highlighted our vibrant and dynamic spirit and culture.”
The narrative of the video opens with a traditional smoking ceremony performed by First Nations Songman Matthew Doyle, and the placing of a red arm wrap; a symbolic gesture of respect and reminder to look after country. Doyle also collaborated with producer Jungle Feelings on the original soundtrack, featuring the Eora and Dharawal (southern Sydney) language with a customary song to assist the spirit on its journey.
Introduced by Bangarra Dance Theatre, Doyle was born and raised in Sydney and is a descendant of the Muruwari people from North West NSW. For over 35 years, Doyle has toured extensively in Australia and overseas performing at the opening of the Indigenous Gallery Musee du Quai Branly in Paris as well as the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
The video was directed by Billy Zammit who collaborated with movement artist Christopher Jhureea again to produce the second instalment. Dance and movement through The Streets of Barangaroo is poetry in motion and symbolises the revitalised and open precinct. Restaurant owner Michelle Grand-Milkovic of love.fish features also, being a powerful voice for retailers, which are the beating heart of the city.
Speaking of the series, Billy Zammit, Director, said, “The Barangaroo precinct to me has always felt harmonious with life and movement. Collaborating with Chris Jhureea and Matthew Doyle allowed for a welcoming, yet high-spirited opportunity to showcase the true embodiment of this public space.”
A digital and social campaign will support the video series. In addition, a competition will run over the next four weeks with thousands of dollars in dining vouchers on offer to welcome Sydneysiders back home.
