YIRRAMBOI has unveiled phase two of their program – First Nations artists from across Australia will weave through the city of Melbourne (Naarm), creating a citywide ‘blak out’ with Barring Yanabul and a fire live-music line-up for the Uncle Archie Roach Block Party, at Section 8 and the Toff.
YIRRAMBOI 2023 will crack open the city to reveal the hum of country beneath with a 10-day festival featuring more than 300 First Nations Creatives taking over Melbourne (Naarm) laneways, streets and spaces from 4-14 May.
In its fourth iteration, YIRRAMBOI – which means ‘tomorrow’ in the local languages of the Boonwurrung and Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nations – celebrates and showcases some of the most exciting First Nations creatives in this country and beyond – giving the stories of ‘now’ back to the lands that have held them for over 80,000 years.
Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Across wide-spanning artistic expressions, YIRRAMBOI’s free program will set Naarm alight with installations, visual art, photography, music, drag and dance on Saturday 6 May.
Taking place for the first time at night, Barring Yanabul – meaning ‘we all walk the path’ in Boonwurrung and Woiwurring language – will present immersive experiences and installations across the city.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CrAZVWSrzRp/
For this all-ages event, there’ll be something for everyone. Events include a visual arts collaboration by Enoki and Bby J exploring a spiritual future realm; a sneak peek into Crooked TP’s unreleased album LIFE; a piece on climate change lighting up Federation Square by Waniki Maluwapi; and some added glam from makeup artist Zoë Freda.
The Uncle Archie Roach Block Party presents a fire line-up of Blak excellence including, songman Amos Roach; rapper and master storyteller, Kobie Dee; rapper, producer and triple j radio host, Nooky; hip-hop duo Yung Warriors; the legendary Kutcha Edwards and RnB songwriter Keely. The Toff will host the launch of Philly’s new album GROW with support from the hottest, up and coming RnB & Hip Hop acts in the country.
YIRRAMBOI Festival 2023 will see 170 shows take place across 40 Melbourne venues and locations, with more than 80 per cent of the program making an Australian debut.
The festival also presents five world premiere commissions, including a biopunk drag cabaret show Alluvium by Stone Motherless Cold, and powerful theatre piece MEETRA-Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden, led by Gunditjmara/Kokatha singer-songwriter, David Arden.
Other YIRRAMBOI Festival 2023 program highlights include: The DJ PGZ Live Experience, which will see the Gunai/Kurnai & Yorta Yorta DJ and producer, bring his dark, underground club sound to Melbourne Town Hall’s iconic Grand Organ.
A runway show redefining First Nations Fashion, as part of Tomorrow: The Experience.
BUBUP Fest for children and families, with music and fashion workshops.
A unique collaboration with the Dark Mofo festival, connecting with the Palawa people of Tasmania to highlight cross-cultural connections and kinship.
International collaborations through dance works by Canadian First Nations choreographers Lara Kramer and Jeanette Kotowitch, alongside local artists Brent Watkins and Jada Narkle.
This year’s Festival hub at North Melbourne’s Meat Market, The Uncle Jack Charles – named in tribute to the late Aboriginal actor, activist and great arts Elder – will be a central place for artists and audiences to gather and feast on First Nations art, comedy, cabaret, music and fashion.
Uncle Archie Roach Block Party, Section 8, from 5pm, FREE
Featuring:
Amos Roach
Julai
Keely
Kiwat
Kobie Dee
Kutcha Edwards
LIXXTRADO
Robert Bundle
Madi Walker
Miss Kaninna
Nooky
Stray Blacks
Yung Warriors
Barring Yanabul, at various locations across the city, from 5pm, FREE
Featuring:
Alan Stewart, photography
Bb J aka Jessie Marie Jackson, visual arts
BIRRARUNGA Film Festival, Tony Briggs, digital/film
Blanche, musician
Brandi Slamon, visual arts
Brett Beckhurst, dance
Caleb Nicholas-Mansell, visual arts
Crooked TP, singer/rapper
Dylan Singh, visual arts/projection/dance
Elijah Money, visual arts
ENOKI, visual arts
Ethnologial Dance Co, dance
Garret Lyon, musician
Guy Ritani, visual arts
Kathleen Gonzalez-Willamizar, dance
Leonie Whyman, music
Malacha aka Cameron Mochabee, visual arts
Theodore Cassady, dance
Sermsah Binsaad, dance
Waniki Maluwapi, visual arts
Zoe Holten, dance
Zoe Freda Kopp, visual arts
For the full festival program and to purchase tickets, visit YIRRAMBOI.
