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West Australian
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Wundig Wer Wilura In Concert: West Australian Opera to bring second Noongar-language opera to Bunbury
The West Australian Opera will bring the second ever Noongar-language opera to the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre in November, written by powerhouse duo Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse. Wundig Wer Wilura In Concert is a portrayal of an ancient Ballardong Noongar story passed down for thousands of generations, of two star-crossed lovers, now known as Mt Bakewell (Walwalling) and Mt Brown (Wongborel) in York, WA. The pair break the bounds of lore and customs in an exploration of family, connection to country, obligation and rebellion, adoration and betrayal, and love and war. The story ultimately asks, 'in the face of catastrophic consequences, how far would you go for love?' The adaption, written by critically acclaimed songwriters and storytellers Williams and Ghouse, follows the success of their celebrated first Noongar language opera, Koolbardi We Wardong, which came to BREC in 2023 with three sold-out shows. Their second opera — which premiered in the 2024 Perth Festival and York Festival — stars an all First Nations cast and is sung entirely in Noongar language with English subtitles, celebrating Aboriginal culture through contemporary music, stunning vocals and rich storytelling. A big cast of principals from the premiere will be heading to the South West, including Williams in a lead role. BREC executive director Fiona de Garis said she was blown away by the power and emotion of the performance in Perth and was delighted when the WAO inquired about bringing the show to Bunbury. 'This semi-staged concert production is a wonderful concept that will allow our community to experience a world-class show with full costumes, lighting and an extraordinary backdrop along with the music and story. 'I am proud of the strong relationship we have built with West Australian Opera and with Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse that led them to offer this opportunity to us.' The WAO will present two concerts in Bunbury on November 7 with a combined schools and general public viewing at 11am and an evening performance with allocated seating at 7.30pm. The opera will also head to Albany on November 5. Director Matt Reuben James Ward said, 'it was an honour to support the telling of this West Australian story with new audiences in the South West and in particular in my hometown of Albany'. WAO executive director Carolyn Chard AM said they were 'deeply passionate about the powerful stories opera tells'. 'When Wundig Wer Wilura played in last year's Perth Festival, we saw how strongly it resonated with audiences and knew we had to share this beautiful story with wider audiences,' she said.
West Australian
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Noongar language production Wundig wer Wilura headed to Albany and Bunbury for limited performance run
Following a crowd-pleasing premiere at the 2024 Perth Festival, WA Opera's Wesfarmers Arts commission Wundig Wer Wilura is coming to Albany in November as a concert adaptation. Wundig Wer Wilura is a Noongar story of star-crossed lovers who break the bounds of lore and custom, and have their souls forever banished to Mt Brown/Wongborel and Mt Bakewell/Walwalling in York. It is performed entirely in Noongar language, with English subtitles. The piece is written by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, and will have Albany director Matt Reuben James Ward at its helm. Ward also directed the production when it debuted at Perth Festival last year and will return to bring the story to his hometown crowd. He said it was an honour to bring the story to new audiences in WA's South West, particularly in his hometown of Albany. The production will be in Albany at the Albany Entertainment Centre for two performances on November 5, then moving to Bunbury for two performances on November 7. Jarred Wall and Jess Hitchcock will both return as the titular characters and will be joined onstage by David Leha, Tyrone Brownley, Charley Caruso, Jarred Inman, Bella McGill, Teresa Moore, Benjamin Gath and Gina Williams. WA Opera's executive director Carolyn Chard said the production's reception at the 2024 Perth Festival encouraged the organisation to expand its performance run. 'We are deeply passionate about the powerful stories opera tells, and when Wundig Wer Wilura played in last year's Perth Festival, we saw how strongly it resonated with audiences and knew we had to share this beautiful story with wider audiences,' she said. 'We are grateful to our funders and partners who enable us to tour. 'Wundig wer Wilura is a Wesfarmers Arts Commission and this presentation is supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development through Playing WA and MM Electrical Merchandising.'
West Australian
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Carnarvon's WAyay! Festival a free and fun day of culture and community spirit celebrating WA Day
Carnarvon will celebrate WA Day outdoors with its fun, free and family-friendly WAyay! Festival, featuring live music, culture and community spirit. Set in the natural amphitheatre of Gwoonwardu Mia, the daytime festival on Monday, June 2 has a packed itinerary, including live music, children's interactive stage shows, arts and crafts, face painting and lots of hands-on creative fun for all ages. Award-winning performers Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, known for their soulful songs in Noongar language sharing powerful stories of culture, connection and country, are headlining the festival. They will be joined by local favourite Raymond Edney, who fuses music and visual art inspired by his Yinggarda heritage, and high-energy cultural performances by the Pundarra Dancers and Coral Spawn Dancers. Children will be able to dive into a world of creativity through nature-inspired painting, sensory play, lawn games, and arts and crafts stations. Foodies can choose from a mouth-watering mix of options, from native-inspired bush tucker tastings to family favourites served up by local food trucks. The event is supported by BHP, the State Government and Lotterywest.
