10th anniversary of Yellamundie Festival celebrates a decade of pioneering first peoples performing arts

Moogahlin Performing Arts, in association with Carriageworks and APAM, proudly presents the 10th anniversary of the Yellamundie Festival. Commemorating a decade of championing First Peoples voices and stories across the performing arts, the festival announces its vibrant 2023 program. This year’s line-up reflects the richness and diversity of contemporary First Peoples performing arts, showcasing writing, movement, and sound works.

Since its inception in 2013, the Yellamundie Festival has risen as an international beacon for First Peoples talent. Out of the national call for submissions, six ground-breaking works are set to undergo two weeks of rigorous development before being presented in a three-day extravaganza of public showings, yaans, and events at the Carriageworks in Sydney, from September 28-30.

Day 1 will feature Healing Scars by Warren Mason and Bush Medicine Magic by Peta Strachan. Healing Scars is a deeply moving collaboration with Elder dancers depicting the history and resilience of First Nations Peoples. Bush Medicine Magic is an abstract dance celebrating the holistic powers of Mother Earth’s medicines. The performance takes place at 6.30pm Thursday 28 September 2023 (Bay 17), with tickets at$15.

On Day 2, enjoy Local Players: Yellamundie Festival, WHAT IS WRONG WITH US? by Michael Weir and EULOGY by A DAYLIGHT CONNECTION. Local Players: Yellamundie Festival is a free event showcasing First Peoples dance, theatre, and contemporary performance from artists around Gadigal. The conversation takes place at 5pm Friday 29 September 2023, and is free to attend. A compelling narrative influenced by urban hip hop and spoken word, WHAT IS WRONG WITH US? highlights the pain born by our First Nations people. EULOGY is a satirical exploration of life, death, and the in-betweens, drawing from familiar pop culture influences. The performance will be at 6.30pm Friday 29 September 2023 (Bay 17), with tickets at $15.

Wrapping up the festival on Day 3, experience Dramaturgy in Dance! – A First peoples Perspective, a panel discussion dissecting the role of dramaturgy in dance from a First Nations angle. The discussion takes place at 11am Saturday 30 September 2023 (Bay 17) and is free to attend. Later, be moved by Shannon Jensen’s Watersong, a heart wrenching tale of family secrets, generational ties, and the spiritual connection to water. The festival concludes with, A Wake – A Woke Mob by Maurial Spearim is a dark comedy depicting the aftermath of a patriarch’s passing in a small town. The performance will be at 6:30pm Saturday 30 September 2023 (Bay 17), with tickets at $15.

This 10-year milestone emphasizes Yellamundie Festival’s critical role in the performing arts landscape. Numerous Yellamundie Festival-developed works have progressed to renowned stages like the Sydney Opera House and Belvoir St Theatre. Prominent pieces such as The Visitors by Jane Harrison and recent works like At What Cost by Nathan Maynard, and Capricorn by Aiden Rowlingson, among others, underline the festival’s unmatched influence in the industry.

“Reaching our 10th year is not just a milestone, it’s a testament to the resilience, brilliance, and relevance of First Peoples stories and storytellers,” said Lily Shearer, the Festival’s Artistic Director. “From the very start, our mission has been to spotlight these incredible voices and to offer them a platform like no other. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and even more excited for what the future holds.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.moogahlin.org/yellamundiefestival2023