Anna Haebich has been shortlisted in the Australian History category for her 2018 book, Dancing in Shadows - Histories of Noongar Performance.
The Judges commented:
Dancing in Shadows explores the power of Indigenous performance pitted against the forces of settler colonisation. Historian Anna Haebich documents how the Nyungar people of Western Australia strategically and courageously adapted their rich performance culture to survive the catastrophe that engulfed them, and generously share their culture, history and language in theatre.
The shortlists for this year's Prime Minister's Literary Awards have today been announced by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP.
The Awards celebrate Australian writing across six genres, selecting exceptional works from Australia's talented authors, illustrators, creators and historians. Such recognition allows them to share their creativity and research on a national and international scale.
The Prime Minister said each year the Awards attract high quality entries, appealing to all ages and interests.
“Today I announce this year's shortlisted authors for the 2019 Prime Minister's Literary Awards,” said the Prime Minister.
“This year we have a diverse selection shortlisted and I encourage everyone to pick one up and have a read, and celebrate our great local industry.”
Minister Fletcher said the judges had achieved an impressive task of reading through over 500 entries to shortlist the final 30.
“We've received an exceptional response to this year's call for entries. It is great to see well established and new authors being part of the selection and to welcome back previously shortlisted authors and illustrators,” Minister Fletcher said.
“I also thank the judges and chairs for their commitment to the Awards and for the enormous amount of work involved.”
For more information about the books, authors and to see the judges' comments, visit www.arts.gov.au/pmla.