YIRRAMBOI Festival Opening Night

Smoke billows from the cleansing fire on a mild Melbourne autumn evening. The space is surrounded by gumtrees and the words “Our Narratives, Our Way” are projected onto the walls enclosing the Malthouse Outdoor Stage. The show opens with Neon Ngargee (Corroboree), led by Amos Roach (Archie Roach’s son), dancing through the crowd. The Welcome to Country is done by two of the festival’s matriarchs, Boonwurrung Elder, N’Arweet Carolyn Briggs and Woiwurrung Elder Aunty Di Kerr. Through the songs of Allara Briggs Pattison and her ensemble, we learn about the plight of the Burrunan dolphins in Gippsland Lakes, who have become sick following the 2020 bushfires. The show ends on high with a sassy performance by the Miss First Nations finalists.

Creative Director Caroline Martin, a proud Boonwurrung and Wemba Wemba woman, has produced Australia’s largest First Nations’ led and curated arts and cultural festival. The biannual festival includes over 150 events and over 250 First Nations creatives. 2021 is particularly special, featuring 14 newly commissioned, never-before-seen works. Unable to travel in 2020 to curate works, Martin did call outs during Melbourne’s lockdown and is thrilled with the results.

The 2021 YIRRAMBOI festival is a diverse showcase of “Blak Bold and Brilliant” creatives, as Martin puts it. She’s sourced works locally, nationally and internationally, but they’re all in Australia, with a special focus on Victorian Koories.

“It’s very much centred on local Victorians first, it’s full of the Victorian Koorie community; that’s my big broader wider family.

“We’ve also worked with VicHealth to reach out to regional communities to encourage them to come into the city, perform or simply engage in the festival.”

YIRRAMBOI has something for everyone, including women, children and the elderly.

“My youngest performer is 14, the eldest is 78,” Martin highlights proudly.

“YIRRAMBOI showcases the sophistication and vibrancy of First Nations cultures.

“There’s Blak Fillums (films) at the Capitol theatre on Swanston Street, contemporary physical theatre Bred by Briefs Factory International, the cabaret Coconut Woman by Dirty Pearl Productions, the whimsical drag show The Fae, and women’s healing workshops at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre.

“We rely on partnerships with institutions that our people otherwise wouldn’t be engaged with,” Martin explains.

“It allows us to have a different audience.”

Even the Metro Tunnel project’s hoarding at City Square is donned in Gunai man Ronald Edwards Pepper’s large-scale artwork until 16 May.

This is Martin’s second time leading the YIRRAMBOI festival. She’s also Managing Director of cultural strengthening consultancy, Yalukit Marnag and before starting that, she led the development of the award-winning First Peoples exhibition, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at the Melbourne Museum and managed the Centre for 12 years.

“Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve been passionate about what I do because I know I’m doing everything I possibly can for my people to be seen.

“When my people shine, I shine.

“We’re a strong, resilient people; we’ve been here for more than 4,000 generations.

“Resilience is in our DNA.

“For any First Nations person, I would say, look to your elders who inspire you, look to your people who inspire you, and be proud of your identity.

“When you walk with pride, no one can hurt you.

“Know who you are, who your ancestors are, speak of them with pride.

“That’s what will keep our cultures alive for another 4,000 generations and beyond.”

YIRRAMBOI means tomorrow in the shared language of the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung people. Martin hopes for a tomorrow where all Australians celebrate and value the culture, knowledge and resilience of First Nations people.

“My vision has always been, for people to have a shared understanding that whilst we’re incredibly proud of our identity and cultures, it’s actually your history.

“I want that pride reciprocated.

“I want everyone to engage in our cultures through opportunities such as the YIRRAMBOI festival.

“It’s mostly free and low-cost, so it’s very accessible.”

Sophia Dickinson

Images (from top): Nana Magic, Tilly and Friends; Miss First Nations Grand Final, YIRRAMBOI Festival 2019. Photo by Jalaru Photography; Considerable Sexual Licence - Credits Pier Carthew and Daniel Boud; Soul of Possum - Credit Jessie Boylan.

yirramboi.com.au