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NAISDA presents Wiri Gulgul via free onsite & livestream performances

01 June 2022
Culture and Capability
A young adult man stands beneath a rock overhang and touches the rock with his hand. On the rock is another hand print. In the background are more rocks and trees.

NAISDA Dance College is presenting its mid-year performance wiri gulgul on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 July via two free onsite performances and one free livestream presentation.

NAISDA Dance College, Australia’s national performing arts training organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, is presenting its mid-year performance wiri gulgul on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 July via two free onsite performances and one free livestream presentation.

Directed by respected First Nations choreographer, former Bangarra dancer and NAISDA graduate and trainer, Jasmin Sheppard, wiri gulgul presents stories resonating with the 2022 NAIDOC theme of Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!

wiri gulgul, which means ‘stand strong’ in Darkinjung language, comprises a powerful collection of cultural and contemporary dance, physical theatre work and dancefilms, all linked by a strong rallying cry for reform and change.

Director Jasmin Sheppard commented that wiri gulgul reflects our communities’ enduring fight for change and acknowledges the continuing role of future generations as we work towards recognition, restoration and redress.

“wiri gulgul proudly carries our future generation’s provocations for change, amplifying and articulating a new creative voice of resistance and truth-telling,” Ms Sheppard said.

Honouring the gift of cultural knowledge, wiri gulgul features NSW Aboriginal song and dance and dances from Moa Island in the Torres Strait, shared and developed under the guiding direction of NAISDA Head of Cultural Practice, Jo Clancy and NAISDA Cultural Tutors, Stuart McMinn and Dujon Niue.

NAISDA Chief Executive Officer, Kim Walker said NAISDA is proud to present a production celebrating new works that reflect both NAISDA students’ learning journey and the 2022 NAIDOC theme.

“wiri gulgul shares contemporary stories of culture, truth and identity. It includes new works of resistance and resilience developed by NAISDA students in collaboration with NAISDA trainers.”

“This year, in celebration of NAIDOC, we are excited to offer free performances, both onsite and livestreamed, to share our creative expression with as many people as possible including families, communities and audiences across Australia.”

wiri gulgul will be performed by NAISDA students at NAISDA Dance College Friday 1 July 7pm and Saturday 2 July 2pm on Darkinjung Country, Kariong, New South Wales, and livestreamed nationally on Friday 1 July 7pm.

Tickets for the onsite and livestream performances can be booked via naisda.com.au.