Photography by Akil Ahamat

Conversations is a podcast series that is part of Jagath Dheerasekara’s new work Break the Cinnamon Branch. Jagath met with seven families from around Campbelltown to share stories of their lives. Jagath chatted with them on Zoom about many things; from sweet home-made delicacies to crossing country borders by foot in fear of persecution.

“The participants of Break the Cinnamon Branch Conversations have one thing in common with myself and each other; they were born elsewhere and arrived in Australia at different stages of their lives for different reasons. These are our stories and I believe they are part of a multilayered and multifaceted Australian story.  Welcome to Break the Cinnamon Branch Conversations.” – Jagath Dheerasekara.

Break the Cinnamon Branch Conversations (released weekly)

Introduction

Aruna Gandhi
For this episode of Break the Cinnamon Branch Conversations, Jagath speaks with Aruna Gandhi. After settling in Australia, Aruna was determined to devote more time to her much-loved art form.

Yeshe Choesang
For this episode of Break the Cinnamon Branch conversations, Jagath chats with Yeshe Choesang. Fleeing Tibet at the age of 11, he arrived in India where he spent 30 years before settling in Australia. 

Zahra Al Mudhfar and Sana Al Amar
For this episode of Break the Cinnamon Branch conversations, Jagath speaks with Zahara Al-Mudhfar and her daughter Sana Al Ahmar. Zahara recounts her time as a delegate travelling from Iraq to Mongolia and the Soviet Union.

Anau Ki-Hehea Speizer
For this episode of Break the Cinnamon Branch conversations, Anau ki-hehea Spizer is talking to Jagath. Anau was born in Tonga and visits there often for volunteer work.

Yves Irakoze
For this episode of Break the Cinnamon Branch Conversations, Jagath speaks with Yves Irakoze. Yves fled from Burundi seeking asylum in Uganda, settling in Australia two years ago.

Cicily Ponnor
For this episode of Break the Cinnamon Branch Conversations, Jagath is with Cicily Ponnor. Cicily was born in Kerala, a place with a many similarities to Sri Lanka so she and Jagath will have a lot of notes to compare.  

Hassina and Farzam
For this episode of Break the Cinnamon Branch Conversations, Jagath speaks with Hassina and Farzam. Jagath first met Hassina and Farzam not long after they settled in Australia.

Sam Pari
For this episode of Break the Cinnamon Branch Conversations, Jagath speaks with Sam Pari. Jagath met Sam about ten years ago and have remained very good friends since. They were both born in Sri Lanka, Sam in Jaffna and Jagath in Colombo. Sam’s family left the country when she was very young, returning to her homeland which was a life-changing experience for her.

Break the Cinnamon Branch is presented by Campbelltown Arts Centre, brought to you as part of the Campbelltown 2020 program and funded by Campbelltown City Council. The community engagement of the Break the Cinnamon Branch Conversations was supported by Focus Connect.