Young writer hid talent under bed
Acclaimed actor, writer and theatre director Maryanne Sam has enjoyed a wide range of successes. But the strong woman from the Ilbijerri nation is equally passionate about giving back to the arts community, especially when it comes to helping aspiring talent.
‘Our young aspiring authors, painters, directors are the ones that are going to carry Indigenous stories forward and ensure their survival,’ Maryanne says, ‘so we have to make sure we nurture the next generation.’
Through an Australia Council for the Arts skills and arts development program she is mentoring a promising young writer, Benjamin Strok, from Ballarat in regional Victoria. Benjamin came to her attention by chance.
‘His mother was cleaning under his bed and found these crumpled up pieces of paper full of amazing writing. She showed me them and I jumped at the chance to get involved in Benjamin’s life,’ Maryanne said.
‘At that time, Benjamin was really at a crossroads in his life. He’d left school early and was in danger of falling through the cracks. But, at the same time, he had a real enthusiasm for his writing and realised he needed to change the direction of his life.’
Maryanne is helping Benjamin develop the discipline needed for a writing career. This includes learning the editing process and delivering on deadlines.
While Benjamin’s story is turning into a happy one, Maryanne is concerned that too much artistic
talent – especially among young Indigenous men – remains unnoticed.
Typically, Benjamin himself had little idea his early jottings would be regarded as ‘writing’. Until he was put in contact with Maryanne he thought he was just expressing his frustrations.
‘I’d dropped out of school in Year 10 and was a bit depressed because I didn’t know what I was going to do with myself,’ he said.
‘That’s when I started writing things down as a way to express my emotions about what I was going through. ‘Maryanne has been amazing. I couldn’t be doing this without her encouragement. She’s like an auntie to me.’
Benjamin is considering doing a writing course at TAFE and wants to try his hand at different styles of writing. ‘Hopefully, I’ll gain some experience and be a successful writer,’ he said.
Where I belong
By Benjamin Strok
You cut me down a tree
You brought it back to me
And that’s what made me see
Where I was going.
You put me on a shelf
And kept me for your self.
I could write a song
a hundred miles long
And that’s where I belong
And you belong with me
And I could write it down
Sprint it all around
Get lost then get found.
You put me on the line and
left me out to dry
You cut me down to size
and opened up my eyes
And made me realize
What I could not see.
Media enquiries
0410 322 431
Back