Be part of a dynamic cultural storytelling experience at Bulla Midhong

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published April 27, 2023 at 2.40pm (AWST)

Meaning '1 and 2 is 3,' Bulla Midhong is a series of inspiring multimedia events weaving together song, text, video, animated image, and dance.

Big hART, an arts and social change organisation, is set to showcase a series of events on the unspoiled NSW South Coast. Taking place over three Saturdays in April and May, these events will be held at various locations along the coast.

Bulla Midhong celebrates a deep connection to place and continues a lineage of story-sharing across Yuin country.

These public events celebrating culture and place are part of a year-long immersive program that began in early 2022. Hosted by the students, with guidance from cultural leaders like Nathan Lygon (Eden), Warren Foster Jnr. (Wallaga Lake) and Michael Robinson (Nowra), the events will feature traditional and contemporary stories through narration, dance and animation.

Nathan Lygon, Eden (Image: Supplied)

Mr Lygon is a dedicated Yuin cultural educator who leads language revitalisation workshops for youth and serves as the main performer and narrator for the Eden event, where he shares the richness and complexity of Yuin culture with a wider audience.

"We're telling a story about the whales and their significance," he said.

"The old people had a relationship with the killer whales - where they could sing them up and they'll come in and beach the Baleen whales. That relationship was then capitalised on by white people that came to the area and were in the whaling industry.

"We created a contemporary song line. And used the old people way of creating stories about events as a means to teach our younger generation about the names of the different sites."

Warren Foster Jnr is a versatile artist who excels in music as a songwriter and rapper. For the past 18 months, he has been leading workshops for young people, and he is also the primary performer and narrator for the Umbarra event, showcasing his skills and passion for his craft.

"The story that were using is the story of the first two people created on country," he said.

"It's an old story that's been passed down, we're talking about the gift the creator gave us to sustain life and the different tools we have today that comes from that.

"As a descendant from them, it's an opportunity to be thankful."

Michael Robinson, a Wandi Wandian man and cultural educator with Djiriba Waagura. He has been leading youth workshops for the past 18 months and is also the main performer and narrator for the Nowra event, where he shares his knowledge and expertise of his culture.

"Doesn't matter what color you are, this is, this is yours," he said.

"You live here. So, you need to know about where.

"You need to understand how important it's to care for country. Learn these stories so you can pass these stories on."

Mr Robinson highlights the importance of engaging not only the students but also the broader community in understanding the history of their country.

Bulla Midong will be held:

EDEN - Friday April 28th, 6pm, Cocora Beach, Twofold Bay

WALLAGA LAKE - Saturday May 13, 6pm, Umbarra Cultural Centre, Wallaga Lake

NOWRA - Saturday May 20, 6pm, Paringa Park, Nowra

All of the events are free and family friendly.

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National Indigenous Times

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