George Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess was the first production attempted during the time that the company was waiting the outcome of the applications for DGR and ROCO.  Management and funding applications were undertaken by Jiriki Management with the aim of handing over the project to JPA once full Company status had been achieved.

The Vision is to produce George Gershwin's folk opera Porgy and Bess, premiering in Perth, Western Australia and using Indigenous Australian singers, actors, crew and production team wherever possible.

This production is aimed at providing a platform for Indigenous Australians to work on an internationally recognized major theatre production.  This production will also provide a unique experience and opportunity for Indigenous Australians to work with highly professional and experienced mentors in the performing arts internationally and nationally renowned.   The end result will be to give Indigenous Australians the opportunity to be involved in a professional production that will expand their skills and talents to an international level.

An integral part of accomplishing this end production is the development of a chorus ensemble of Indigenous singers in Western Australia.  Australia Council provided a grant to run a Masterclass in Perth with renowned conductor and musician, Martin Piecuch from New York.  The Masterclass was attended over four days by 15 Indigenous singers and was held at the premises of AbMusic. The Masterclass was very successful and culminated in a remarkable concert performance to a very appreciative audience.

This project was set aside to be revisited in the future when it became obvious that financial support would be difficult for such a major production.