The Strait to the Plate launch event promoted the new television show, under the same title, that discusses the lifestyle, food, culture, and language of the Torres Strait Island region. The show, hosted by Aaron Fa’aoso, explores the islands of the Straits with a close eye on six communities: Badu, Poruma, Moa, Seisia, Injinooand New Mapoon.
This show is a contemporary look at Torres Strait Islander history, culture, community, and traditions through the lens of food. The series covers how community leaders continue traditions and preserve their history. The section on Badu showcases how the Art Centre Manager teaches local artists to preserve tradition and culture through art. Moa continues to continue their traditions through a Torres Strait Island wedding ceremony.
Poruma Island has put an importance on preserving the Kulkalgau Ya language and revitalising Torres Strait Island desserts. You are welcomed to Siesia, Aaron’s hometown, where he cooks his Malaya-infused version of turtle tripe sambal. While in Siesia Aaron discusses how the Torres Strait Island region has Asian influence throughout history. Aaron, alongside his family and friends, prepares local dishes for a Torres Strait tombstone ceremony.
The television show focuses on connection: connection with the audience, connection with the food of the region, and connection with culture. This program provides a platform for the region and for Fa’aoso to communicate to the audience the problems the Torres Strait Islander community has faced in recent years.
The event featured a screening of the premiere of the television show and featured a sampling of Torres Strait Island traditional dishes. The launch was held at the Undumbi Room of Parliament House in Brisbane and was sponsored by Screen Queensland, Queensland Government, NITV, SBS Food, and Lonestar Production Group.
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