Big Name, No Blankets single work   musical theatre  
Date: 2025
Date: 2024
Date: 2024
Note: Story consultant.
Note: Story and cultural consultant.
Issue Details: First known date: 2024... 2024 Big Name, No Blankets
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'A rock’n’roll theatre performance celebrating the phenomenal journey and impact of Australian music icons, Warumpi Band, told from the perspective of the Butcher Brothers.

'Named after Warumpi Band’s second album, BIG NAME, NO BLANKETS this rock 'n' roll theatre performance features Warumpi hits, showcasing Luritja, Warlpiri and Gumatj / Yolngu Martha languages and culture.

'Making history as the first rock ’n ’ roll band to sing in Aboriginal languages, Warumpi Band is acclaimed for creating our Black Anthems: Jailanguru Pakurnu, My Island Home and Blackfella/Whitefella.

'Warumpi Band brought hope and strength to First Peoples and united all Australians, singing truths that echoed the realities of black and white relationships in colonised lands. They amplified black voices, stories and politics while uniting all cultures with their infectious music.

'Packed with humour, iconic songs and rock star performances, BIG NAME, NO BLANKETS is a joyful show about how music can influence massive change.'

Source: Production blurb.

Production Details

  • Presented as part of Sydney Festival (as an Ilbijerri production) at Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay, 10-14 Janaury 2023.

    Co-Directors: Dr Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher.

    Sound Arrangement and Composition" Crystal Butcher and David Bridie.

    Band Arrangement and Composition: Gary Watling.

    AV Designer: James Henry.

    Lighting Designer: Jenny Hector.

    Set Designer: Emily Barrie.

    Band includes Gary Watling, Jason Butcher and Jeremiah Butcher.

    Dramaturg: Amy Sole.

    Producers: Nina Bonacci & Alexandra Paige.


    Presented as part of the Brisbane Festival (as an Ilbijerri production), Concert Hall, QPAC, 20-21 September 2024.


    Presented as part of the Perth Festival (as an Ilbijerri production), 27 February - 1 March 2025.

    Co-Directors: Dr Rachael Maza AM & Anyupa Butcher.

    Story Consultant: Anyupa Butcher.

    Music Director: Gary Watling.

    Cinematographer & Sound Designer: James Henry.

    Sound Arrangements and Composition: Crystal Butcher.

    Set Designer: Emily Barrie.

    Lighting Designer: Jenny Hector.

    Costume Designer: Heidi Brooks.

    Producers: Nina Bonacci and Alexandra Paige.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

First known date: 2024
Language: Aboriginal Luritja/Loritja , Warlpiri , Aboriginal Gumatj , Aboriginal Yolngu AIATSIS: languages. AIATSIS ref. (NT SD53)

Works about this Work

Performance Review : Big Name, No Blankets, Sydney Festival Leo Chau , 2024 single work review
— Appears in: ArtsHub , January 2024;

— Review of Big Name, No Blankets Andrea James , 2024 single work musical theatre

'Sydney Festival’s electrifying show about the Warumpi Band whose music changed lives, is one that truly rocks.' 

Warumpi Band Story Bound for Darwin Alister McKeich , 2024 single work column
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 17 July no. 830 2024; (p. 16)
'Big Name, No Blankets is set to hit Darwin Festival this August, bringing the songs and story of the Warumpi Band to audiences in the Top End.'
Performance Review : Big Name, No Blankets, Sydney Festival Leo Chau , 2024 single work review
— Appears in: ArtsHub , January 2024;

— Review of Big Name, No Blankets Andrea James , 2024 single work musical theatre

'Sydney Festival’s electrifying show about the Warumpi Band whose music changed lives, is one that truly rocks.' 

Warumpi Band Story Bound for Darwin Alister McKeich , 2024 single work column
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 17 July no. 830 2024; (p. 16)
'Big Name, No Blankets is set to hit Darwin Festival this August, bringing the songs and story of the Warumpi Band to audiences in the Top End.'
Last amended 11 Nov 2024 08:40:29
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