Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company presents Songbird

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company presents its first production for 2024, Songbird, by Shakara Walley, an intimate tale of heartbreak, forgiveness, shared memories and sweet melodies at the Subiaco Arts Centre from 19 April to 4 May.

Songbird is a story about a young couple, Leon and Brooke, who parted ways following the death of Brooke’s brother, Michael. Michael, Brooke and Leon grew up together and had been best friends their entire lives; inseparable until Michael’s untimely death drove Brooke and Leon apart.

After five years, Leon wants to reconnect with Brooke and find out why Michael died. Does he really want to know the truth behind the death? Will he understand why reconciliation with Brooke may be too difficult, or will their shared memories and love of music allow forgiveness to triumph over the ever-aching sadness they both share?

Directed by Cezera Critti-Schnaars, featuring live music and original songs composed by Shakara Walley, Songbird examines the battle between forgiveness and sorrow.

“What inspired me to write Songbird was acting in Up the Road by John Harding,” says writer Shakara Walley. “Looking at reconciliation, when one person wants to reconcile with the other and the past but the other doesn’t want anything to do with it.”

Artistic Director of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company Maitland Schnaars said, “The cast and creative team of Songbird are all aged 26 or under, and we are so proud to be showcasing the next generation of exciting Aboriginal talent. Songbird is another amazing script that emerged from Yirra Yaarnz, our company’s playwrighting program dedicated to supporting Aboriginal writers.”

Yirra Yaakin (Yir-raarh Yaarh-kin] which means “Stand Tall” in Noongar language, is one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal performing arts organisations, situated in Boorloo on Whadjuk Noongar Country, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company produces award-winning, world-class theatre that is exciting, insightful, authentic, and culturally appropriate.

For over 30 years, Yirra Yaakin has commissioned and premiered over 60 new theatre works that have reached 13 countries in five continents, and has won awards for their theatre, governance, and their partnerships, including a prestigious Sidney Myer Award for their record of facilitating Indigenous artistic programs. 

Songbird is the first production in Yirra Yaakin’s Season Pass – Three Show Package. Audience members can purchase tickets to Yirra Yaakin’s Songbird, Brothers Wreck and Operation Boomerang at Subiaco Arts Centre to receive discount pricing on tickets to all three performances.

Originally produced by Imprint Productions and The Blue Room Theatre in association with Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, the world premiere of Songbird was performed at the Blue Room in July 2015.

Songbird is recommended for ages 13+. Duration is approximately 75 minutes. A Post-show Q&A will take place Friday, 3 May at 7:00 pm. Following the Subiaco Arts Centre run 19 April – 4 May, Songbird will have a Regional Tour 10 May – 1 June.   

More information and tickets can be found at www.yirrayaakin.com.au

Performer Kira Feeney in, Songbird, Credit Dana Weeks