NEW PROJECT COMING SOON !

Kincses Mama. Dearest Mother. Finding treasure. Treasure of the heart!

The Kincses Mama project tells the story of a young adoptee on the search for ancestry and identity.

Based on artist Melinda McCarthy’s own story, Kincses Mama follows her journey of discovery. One which takes her from the streets of Melbourne, to the countryside of Hungary and ultimately into Transylvania and Romanian Moldova to connect with and learn from the Hungarian communities there. A journey full of music and cultural exchange, connection and community.

The project brings together all of artist Melinda McCarthy’s skills in a performance / show that is a visual, musical and cultural feast while exploring the folk traditions, music and dance of the beautiful Hungarian, Transylvanian, and Csango cultures with which this journey has connected her.

Why Kincses Mama?

When a person is adopted, they spend most of their youth with way more questions than answers! Their whole self is a mystery! This can lead to feeling disconnected, rejected and lost. But from another perspective, it can also lead to wonder and imagination as you you search for answers and ponder even fantasize what they may be. Who you may be! However in this case nothing prepared for the treasure trove of culture, history, that would be discovered!

Kincses (pron. Kinch esh) means treasure, or one who searches for it or finds it. Perfectly describing the story, the life it follows and the adventures that life takes on the path of discovery.

Kincses Mama, because it is also the name of the ancestor the artist apparently most resembles. Physically, personality wise and creatively! Going from resembling no-one, to resembling the legacy of a wonderful Matriarch that the family adored, is quite an honor that I never dreamed possible!

Project updates: What is going on?

Currently, this project is in it’s last phases of development and is soon entering the production phase!

Art of Melush hopes to present the live show in 2024. Soon musicians and dancers alike will come together to rehearse and exchange in the joy of the “Tanchaz” (folk dance parties), as we streamline the final show.

Artist Melinda McCarthy will also be working on the staging / sets to bring this story to life. To really transport the viewer to the village heart space.

The performance

A story told, with both traditional and original music, performed with traditional dance. A step into another world.

Music will be performed by Melinda McCarthy, and members from her affiliated bands: Bardoz, Holdvilág and Szikra,

and dancing from traditional dancers sourced within the Hungarian folk dance community.

How can I be part of the project?

It takes many hands, hearts and resources to make a big project happen!

Throughout the coming months there will be updates on fundraising efforts and calls for sponsorship.

CASTING CALL !!!

Currently we are looking for those who are interesting in taking part in the performance.

We are looking for expressions of interest from Hungarian folk dancers and those who would like to play a part as one of the characters.

Please note the ability to speak Hungarian is necessary for some roles but not all.

When filling the contact form, please write in the “your inquiry” section that the message is regarding Kincses Mama.

Tell us your Hungarian speaking level, experience with Hungarian dancing and if you are interested in a speaking role any acting experience you have.

Thanks we look forward to hearing from you!