tunapri kani (Speaking Knowledge) - The Acknowledgement Project

Developed through a partnership between the Theatre Royal, respected Palawa Elder Uncle Jim Everett – puralia meenamatta, and cultural leader Sinsa Mansell, tunapri kani (Knowledge Speaking) – The Acknowledgement Project is the only initiative of its kind in Australia. Formed through years of trust-building, cultural authority, and community consultation, including engagement with Uncle Jim’s family and Community, tunapri kani sets a benchmark for ethical collaboration in the performing arts. 

Rather than functioning as a Welcome, tunapri kani is an imparting of Aboriginal philosophy, creating a moment of reflection and inviting audiences to consider Country, place and responsibility. 

Hear Uncle Jim Everett – puralia meenamatta, Annette Downs and Gary Lang talking about their connection to tunapri kani (Speaking Knowledge) - The Acknowledgement Project.

We invite you to listen to the recordings here: 

• Palawa kani version
• English version

This project embeds Aboriginal cultural knowledge within a major arts institution through a recording of Uncle Jim and Sinsa, played prior to every performance in Theatre Royal’s venues. Each time it’s played, a royalty payment is made by the Theatre Royal into a community-managed fund supporting the development of Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) artists. 

These elements of tunapri kani make a significant contribution to cultural leadership and Aboriginal self-determination both in Lutruwita/Tasmania and nationally. 

The recording is now embedded in Theatre Royal’s standard operational practice. tunapri kani is used by local, national and international companies presenting work in our venue. Our Back of House team briefs visiting companies on the project and its significance, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among both artists and audiences.

Its impact extends beyond the state, with arts organisations seeking to learn from its model. It demonstrates how institutions can move beyond symbolic acknowledgment toward structural change, offering a replicable framework for meaningful impact for both audiences and artists. 

Uncle Jim Everett - puralia meenamatta
With a significant legacy in the development of Tasmanian arts and culture, Uncle Jim is a pioneering and unique voice, representing the stories of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community for over five decades. A poet, playwright, activist and Tasmanian Palawa Aboriginal Elder, we honour Uncle Jim’s enormous legacy to arts and culture in Lutruwita and beyond. 

About the recordings 
With text created by Sinsa Mansell, the recording was made with Uncle Jim and Sinsa in the Hedberg Recording Studio on Friday 18 February 2022.  

It was first played on Friday 21 October 2022, on the opening night of tuylupa, a dance work created by pakana kanaplila and Soma Lumia. The occasion also marked Uncle Jim’s 80th birthday, adding another layer of significance to an already momentous event. 

There were two recordings created to play when there is no live Acknowledgment.  The recordings use English and Palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aboriginals. One version is used for the performances with First Peoples artists or stories, and a second for all other productions. 

Project legacy 
This project is also a legacy for future generations. Every time we play tunapri kani prior to a show the Theatre Royal pays a royalty to a Trust fund that supports development opportunities for Tasmanian Aboriginal artists. 

Partners 
The commissioning of this project was supported by the Performing Lines Tas, City of Hobart and Arts Tasmania.