Brisbane Festival will deliver a special program celebrating the rich stories of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, two of the oldest living cultures in the world.
Over 170 Indigenous individuals with deep cultural knowledge and have made significant contributions in various fields will showcase their stories through music, dance, theater, cabaret, and art installations.
This exciting event will take place from September 1 to September 23.
To commence the festival, a ceremony called Jarrah (Mother Earth) will be held, involving a cleansing and smoking ritual, symbolising respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Brisbane.
Attendees will experience a first as the Brisbane River becomes a backdrop for Nieergoo - Spirit of the Whale, a drone show featuring 400 choreographed drones. This visual spectacle brings to life a creation story during the opening weekend.
The program is filled with highlights, including the world premieres of Tracker, a personal dance piece by Daniel Riley, the Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre, in collaboration with Ilbijerri Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre's don't ask what the bird look like.
Also making its premiere is Kuramanunya, a captivating solo dance theatre performance by Thomas E.S. Kelly and Karul Projects. This work pays tribute to the thousands of lives lost among the First Nations during colonisation.
Additionally, making their Queensland debuts are Bangarra Dance Theatre's Yuldea, which explores a significant moment in Australia's history when traditional customs clashed with industrial aspirations, along with Hide the Dog, a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure, and the power of First Nations cultures, originating from across the Tasman.
In 2023, Brisbane Festival continues its dedication to Indigenous storytelling by appointing two new Co-Chairs for its Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG) and establishing two additional Indigenous programming positions.
Shannon Ruska and Aunty Bridget Garay Co-Chair the IAG, succeeding Michelle Tuahine who stepped down as Chair to join the Brisbane Festival Board as a Director, the pair working in partnership with Artistic Director Louise Bezzina to contribute to the 2023 First Nations program.
"On behalf of the Indigenous Advisory Group, I invite everyone to experience the tapestry of First Nations culture through the power of song, ceremony and celebration at Brisbane Festival 2023," Mr Ruska said.
Ms Bezzina said she looks forward to delivering a Festival that connects deeply with Country and opens the community's hearts to a brighter and more compassionate future.
"Our Festival aims to reflect the many diverse audiences that give Brisbane its unique voice," she said.
"This is particularly expressed through the stories of our First Nations people and it is important to ensure that we deliver works and experiences under the leadership and guidance of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts workers.
"We pay our respects to the Elders and Traditional Owners of this Country on which we are honoured to work and provide a platform to tell stories and share experiences with our community."
Artistic Associate Fred Leone will join Brisbane Festival in August to oversee and shape First Nations programming for 2024.
Creative Producer – Engagement Mayella Dewis-Koroi will also lead key projects to advance the Festival's growing focus on creating diverse, inclusive and accessible programs for a broad audience.
