Cirrus@Austlit

'Bilya Kaatijin (“Fresh Water Knowledge” in Noongar)

'Connecting stories from Noongar land (south-west Western Australia) to Wonguktha land (the northern Goldfields), Aotearoa (New Zealand) and the Kikuyu people of Kenya, Bilya Kaatijin teaches us about the importance of water to First Nations people around the world.'

Source: Playlab.

'Ice Land: A Hip h’Opera is the journey of three people and Ice addiction in all its states, including happiness, invincibility and clarity, through to despair, fear, psychosis and, ultimately, the breakdown of our communities – their ruin. Aided by the enigmatic Dnale Ci, it is a twisted tale of grief, addiction and redemption.

'It’s an exciting new work using the power of hip hop to explore a pressing issue within our communities, featuring new music from Aussie hip hop legends Downsyde, Layla and Moana Mayatrix.

'With the flow of jazz, the soul of blues and the energy of electro, Ice Land: A Hip h’Opera uses the language of hip hop to tackle a tough issue currently affecting our society – the plague of methamphetamine use.

'Yirra Yaakin has gathered powerful testimonials from users, carers, family members and many others to piece together a full-length contemporary theatre performance using hip hop as the key musical and philosophical drive. Join us as we explore the journey of Ice addiction in all its states, including happiness, invincibility and clarity, through to despair, fear, psychosis and, ultimately, the breakdown of our communities – their ruin.

'Alongside a team that boasts some of Western Australia’s best artists, including Perth hip hop kings Downsyde, the awe-inspiring vocalist Aria Scarlett, multi-disciplinary performer, musician and singer Moana Mayatrix of MOANA, we explore a very timely subject and ultimately ask the question: if meth use continues to escalate within our communities, what is going to happen to our society as a whole?'

Source: Yirra Yaakin.

'‘You gonna sell your soul for a fist full of diamonds?’

'First Nations heritage, a family curse and ghosts at the dinner table. David’s been keeping a safe distance from all these things but now work is calling him home. To make things worse, he’s approving a new mine site, on his own Sacred Ground. This is all a secret from the rest of his family, who think he’s come home for the anniversary of his Dad’s death.

'Kangaroo Stew will give you an insight into the life of a modern Aboriginal family. There will be love, punch ups, Creedence Clearwater Revival (Uncle Foggerty!) and of course, the spirits of ancestors past.

'Written by Martu/Yamatji/Murri writer Zac James (Ice Land: A Hip H’Opera), this is a story about family and love, grief and Culture, Native Title and the ghosts of our relatives. This is Kangaroo Stew!' (Publication summary)

'Djinda Kaatijin (which in Noongar means ‘to understand stars’) is the next exciting installment in Yirra Yaakin’s series of productions for young people.

'Through a mix of traditional Noongar dreaming stories and contemporary Indigenous storytelling, Djinda Kaatijin explores the importance of the stars and how they are culturally important to us all.

'Join Weitj (Emu), Dwert (Dingo) and Wardong (Crow) as they take us on a journey through the milky way to learn about the Seven Sisters (Pleiades) while interweaving star stories from around Australia and the world, including stories from India, Spain and Scotland as well as Noongar Boodjar. After all, it’s all our stars. It’s all our dreaming.'

Source: Yirra Yaakin.

Kaarla Kaatijin which in noongar means 'to understand fire' is the first story in a series of five productions centred around Noongar language and culture.

The story follows the plight of the birds and animals of the land suffering an endless, icey winter. Together they undertake a dangerous and brave mission to catch 'Kaarla' (fire) and bring it back to warm the land once more. Rich in storytelling and beautifully written characters, Kaarla Kaatijin builds on Yirra Yaakin's excellent reputation for high quality Indigenous theatre for young people. This enchanting Western Australian story celebrates local culture and heritage in a refreshingly youthful and vibrant way.