SONG CIRCLE

Developed and presented by Boomerang and Spear, the team behind Fist of Fury Noongar Daa (Perth Festival 2021) and Noongar Wonderland (Perth Festival 2022).

The banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan shimmer with vibrant song, dance and light as singers, instrumentalists and dancers perform a celebratory cycle of Noongar songs reflecting on creatures and Country from Perth through to the Great Southern.

With Dr Roma ‘Yibiyung’ Winmar as Cultural Advisor, Song Circle is theatrically brought to life by lauded director Kylie Bracknell (Hecate, Fist of Fury Noongar Daa and Little J and Big Cuz) and Noongar song-maker Maatakitj.

‘Song Circle is a defiant act of restoration, strengthening connection to the original performance vibration of this place, Noongar Boodjar, our homelands. It immerses performers and audience members in Noongar language and song traditions like nothing else inside the United Nations Decade of Indigenous languages.’ – Kylie Bracknell

Song Circle first wowed audiences at EverNow in 2023 at Supreme Court Gardens and has found a new home in Burswood Park on Noongar Boodjar (Country).

Find the music of Song Circle here

First Cycle

Demangka (ancestors)

The ancient groundwater constantly giving the kiss of life beneath our feet.

Woordawoort (dragonfly)

All-seeing creatures hanging above the water.

Bindara (storm)

Lightning striking through the dark clouds and howling wind.

Midjal (drizzle)

Light rain drifting east and painting the bark of the chattering peppermint trees.

Yongkar (kangaroo)

Seeking shelter from the rain around a little tree on the plain.

Dwerdawanart (dolphin)

Twisting under and ripping through the water’s cloak on the shores and up the river

Baamba (stingray)

A shield on the ocean floor rises and strikes the water.

Kworlak (bullshark)

Creeping from the ocean to the river.

Boodjar (country)

Country lets us know we can be here today and gone tomorrow.

Second Cycle

Djaat (reflections of the sun)

Flashing light at high noon energising everything below.

Yornan (bobtailed lizards)

They mate for life and go everywhere together.

Karkain (brown hawk)

Coming with the smoke and bringing the fire.

Bokidja bo binar (far-away comet)

Striking a path through the sky as love travels toward love.

Nyoorlbengar (honey possum)

Moonlight player on the nectar trail.

Bibdjool (gecko)

Climbing to place the stars in the night sky.

Roma Yibiyung Winmar (senior cultural advisor) is an accomplished Noongar artist, educator, and Noongar language activist. With extensive Noongar language skills, she has worked as a Noongar language teacher for many decades and currently serves as Elder-in-Residence at Edith Cowan University. Yibiyung was the senior language editor of the first full adaptation of a Shakespearean work in one Indigenous language of Australia (Hecate 2020), and the first international feature film to be dubbed in one Indigenous language of Australia (Fist of Fury Noongar Daa 2021). She was born in the small town of Gnowangerup in 1944, rose to prominence as an artist in the 1970s, and continues to mentor a large community of Noongar creatives in her role on Perth Festival’s Noongar Advisory Circle.

Kylie Bracknell (director, dancer) is an accomplished actress, voice-over artist, television presenter, public speaker, writer, director, and producer from the southwest of Western Australia. Passionate about language revival, Kylie has developed innovative works completely in Noongar language, including the reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth titled Hecate (2020), performances of Shakespearean sonnets at Shakespeare’s Globe in London (2012), two re-voiced episodes of the award-winning animation series Little J & Big Cuz, and Fist of Fury Noongar Daa, the first international feature film to be dubbed in an Australian language. Kylie hosts the children’s television program Waabiny Time (NITV) and has raised awareness of Indigenous languages via platforms including TEDx (2014) and ABC television’s Q&A program (2016). As an actor, Kylie has featured in television programs such as Irreverent (Netflix), Little J & Big Cuz (NITV and ABC), The Gods of Wheat Street (ABC) and Redfern Now (ABC), films including I Met a Girl (2020), Ace of Spades (2012) and Stone Bros (2009), and theatre productions including The Pool (BSSTC 2024), Black is the New White (STC 2017-19) and The Sapphires (Belvoir 2010). She has over two decades experience working in Australia’s creative industries and is a 2020 recipient of Australia’s prestigious Sydney Myer Performing Arts Award. Her first co-authored book – Shakespeare on the Noongar Stage, Language Revival and Hecate – was released in May 2024.

Maatakitj (composer, singer, bassist) is Noongar song-maker Clint Bracknell from the south coast of Western Australia. He reimagines new songlines infused with dance beats, continuing Noongar connections between song, language and landscapes. Maatakitj has collaborated with the world-renowned Kronos Quartet, five-time Grammy Award-winner Angelique Kidjo and ARIA Award-winning producer Paul Mac. Cosmos Magazine named him one of 50+ Indigenous People Changing the World. He is based in Perth as Professor of Music at the University of Western Australia and is current Chair of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).

Della Rae Morrison (singer) is a Bibbulmun woman of the Nyoongar Nation of the South West of WA, with 30 years of experience in the arts in Australia. Della first started with Jimmy Chi's Aboriginal musical Bran Nue Dae in 1989 and has never looked back. She went on to perform in productions by Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, Deckchair Theatre Company, Perth State Theatre Company, and Yorga Waabiny. Della also played Mrs Egg in the television series Lockie Leonard originally screened on the Nine Network in 2007. More recently, she performed in Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s local staging of Shakespeare’s Sonnets in Nyoongar, Mudskipper Productions’ Banned in Perth Fringe Festival 2018, Tasmania Performs’ production of The Season in 2018 and as Hecate in Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s production of Hecate for Perth Festival in 2020 (winning the 2021 PAWA Awards Best Female Actor in a Leading Role). Della is the Music Director for the Madjitil Moorna Choir and looks forward to upcoming performances around Perth, with the choir and with her ensemble Della Mob. Della was also part of the Perth Festival productions Place of Dreams, Beside, Witness Stand, and Wundig wer Wilura with the Western Australian Opera. She performed in the first production of Song Circle in 2023 and subsequently and is honoured to be invited back to perform in Song Circle 2024 with an amazing and dynamic team of talented artists.

Kristel-Lee Kickett (singer) a proud Whadjuk Ballardong yok from Nyoongar Boodjah, has been making waves in the music industry for over a decade as a solo performer and a member of former pop duo The Merindas, a singing duo that has captured the hearts of many with their powerful performances and soulful harmonies. Notably, Kristel has also expanded her career into professional acting, highlighting her versatility in numerous stage and screen productions alongside esteemed Australian and international talent.

Kobi Morrison (singer) is a Bibbulmun Noongar who was born and raised in Perth. While working at the UWA Centre of Social Impact and Propel Youth Arts WA, Kobi spends his spare time playing music, being involved in various music projects such as Koorlong, Koondarm, Madjitil Moorna and Endeavourous, these are projects that earned him the 2018 Perth NAIDOC Youth of the Year award. 

Charley Caruso (singer) worked as the vocal teacher for the Aboriginal Theatre course at WAAPA until 2020. Charley is a singer songwriter, recording Artist and top-liner whose voice has travelled further around the globe than she has. Charley produces music and writes for TV and other artists. Charley sings with ‘Della Mob’ and produces and releases music under the name ABRYNZ

Talya Valenti (drummer) is an established drummer and emerging composer. She plays regularly with artists including Turiya, Dan Garner Quintet, Songs for Freedom, Costumbres Argentinas and Methyl Ethel. She has had the pleasure of appearing for artists including Maatakitj, Aja Monet, Fred Ryan, Kutcha Edwards and Lucky Oceans and has worked with Bolt Gun and Stella Donnelly. Talya has played at national and international festivals including Splendour in the Grass (Au), Glastonbury Festival (UK) and Fuji Rock (JPN). In 2019 and 2020 Talya won the West Australian Music award for Best Drummer. She has recently made a foray into composition, releasing music with Carlton/Macpherson/Pass/Valenti, and on Turiya’s debut album, Bliss. She is a dedicated drum kit tutor, and has taught ensembles including Progressions (FKA Young Women in Jazz) and at (FKA) Girls Rock! Talya is endorsed by Ludwig Drums and Zildjian Cymbals.

Rubeun Yorkshire (lead dancer) is a visual artist, dancer, stage combat choreographer, and actor who is well known for his performance as Banquo in the award-winning production of Hecate (Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company). After graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2010, Rubeun performed in shows Kep Kaatijin (2015), Boodjar Kaatijin (2016 – 2017), Djinda Kaatijin (2017) and Kaarla Kaatijin (2018) for Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company. He also performed in West Australian Youth Theatre Company’s award-winning Fringe World show, Rest (2019). Rubeun was a key collaborator on Boomerang and Spear’s Noongar Wonderland presented at the 2022 Perth Festival, co-choreographing a series of dances for a new collection of Noongar-language dance tracks by Maatakitj (Clint Bracknell). He worked as fight choreographer on the productions Hecate (Yirra Yaakin 2020) and Conversations with the Dead (Yirra Yaakin 2017). Rubeun has also completed a range of public art for corporate, major festivals and education institutions. His voice is featured on the ground-breaking language reclamation film Fist of Fury Noongar Daa (2021).

Janine Oxenham (dancer) is a Malgana Yamatji woman from the Midwest of WA. She is a choreographer and independent movement artist. Janine has choreographed and performed, facilitated community dance groups, and worked as a producer, tour manager and crew member for numerous festivals and projects across both Regional & Metro WA.In recent years, Janine has had the pleasure of working with organisations and Independants including Boomerang and Spear, Yirra Yaakin, Perth Festival, Annette Carmichael Projects, Josh Pether Projects, Weaving Stories of Boodjar, WAYTCO, Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre and The City of Busselton. She also works part-time as Project Officer and Community Liaison for Regional Arts WA and CinefestOz in the South West. Janine has a passion for working with community to tell both Indigenous and non-Indigenous stories through movement and performance art, with a special interest in theatrical and experimental movement.

Kyle Morrison (dancer) is a proud Yamatji / Noongar man. He has been working in the theatre industry in Western Australia for over 25 years and was the Artistic Director of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company from 2009 until 2019. As an actor, Kyle has worked for such theatre companies as Black Swan, Deckchair Theatre, Barking Gecko, WA Ballet (Swan Lake 2022), Bell Shakespeare, and Yirra Yaakin. Kyle’s performance in Hecate earned him the award of Best Supporting Actor at the Performing Arts WA Awards. In 2022, Kyle completed his Master of Performance at Edith Cowan University and joined WA Ballet as a creative associate, performer and teaching arti st. In 2023, Kyle took on a role as an associate artist at Bell Shakespeare. This is Kyle’s first Song Circle.

Simon Stewart (dancer) is a Contemporary movement Choreographer and director from Broome Western Australia. Simon’s cultural heritage comes from the East Kimberley region of Western Australia - Gooiyandi, Jaru - Turkey Creek, and the Ord River area - Miriwong. Simon Studied Dance (Diploma in dance) at NAIDSA College in Sydney. Simon has worked extensively though out the East Kimberley, Northern Territory, and Perth metropolitan on community youth dance projects. Simon is currently a full-time lecturer in Aboriginal Performance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts WAAPA and has taught teaching Dance and movement practice in WAAPA’s Aboriginal Theatre Course in Broome and Perth since 1999. Simon has worked as a performer and Choreographer with Company Lian in Paris, The 8^th Pacific Arts Festival in New Caledonia, Buzz Dance Theatre, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, OCHRE Contemporary Dance Company, Strut Dance, Ausdance WA, Sand Piper Productions, 2012 Australian Dance Awards, and the Intercultural Institute Singapore. He was Choreographer/performer for the Crossing Boarders collaborative theatre project with WAAPA and Ryerson University Toronto. Simon Expresses his dance and movement technique through Dance movement choreography and embodying movement practice research.

Dylan Collard (dancer) is a Wadjak and Balardong Noongar and currently runs his business Kalyakoorl. His aim is to ensure Noongar language continues into the future - forever.  Originally, Dylan studied a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at UWA, but upon graduating realised he had a passion for educating and working with young people. He was part of the Teach For Australia program where he was placed at Balga SHS whilst completing a Master of Teaching. It was there Dylan became focussed on teaching Noongar and has been teaching and learning Noongar language ever since. Dylan now runs introductory and continuing Noongar language programs for community, schools and other organisations. He was recognised for his work in education this year, winning the NAIDOC Perth 2023 Education Award.

Rickeeta Walley (dancer) is a proud Nyoongar and Yamatji woman, living and working on Whadjuk Nyoongar Boodjar. Rickeeta is a traditional and contemporary Nyoongar dancer and singer. Rickeeta also works in cultural education and research within her family business, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and with the University of Western Australia. She has a passion for sharing her culture and working within her community.

Lila McGuire (dancer) is a Whadjuk and Ballardong Noongar woman, conservatoire trained actor and WAAPA graduate who, while studying, was cast and filming for her role in season 2 of Foxtel’s award-winning show The Twelve, played Molly in David Milroy’s Panawathi Girl at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth and was in rehearsals and performance for Song Circle 2023 at EverNow, a Festival in Kambarang. Lila began her acting education in 2020 with obtaining her Certificate IV in Aboriginal Performance before being accepted into the Bachelor of Arts (Acting) program in 2021. Since graduating in 2023, Lila performed as Carrie during the Perth Festival 2024 season of Logue Lake and she is looking forward to dancing again with the Nyoongar Song Circle performers for the 2024 Evernow Festival.

Jack Collard [Brrrbook] (dancer) is a proud citizen of the Nyoongar nation with cultural ties that span from the pristine beaches along the coast of Whadjuk country, through the wetlands of Boorloo over Kaartamoornda (Black Hills) to the granite outcrops of Ballardong Boodjar that are home to the Mangart tree. He completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and International Relations at UWA and is currently a full-time performer. Jack sings, dances, acts and writes poetry in response to the Boodjar he is sustained by and all those that sustain her. He is a Board Director for the Community Arts Network (CAN) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander International Engagement Organisation (ATSIIEO).

Shontane Farmer (dancer) is a Noongar and Yamatji woman who was born and raised in Perth. The performing arts was something Shontane was always interested in but never knew this passion could become a career. In 2019 Shontane completed the Aboriginal Performance course at WAAPA. She then auditioned for the Bachelor of Arts (Acting) and was accepted into the 3 year program. Shontane graduated in 2022 and secured a spot in the graduate program at Red Stitch Theatre Company. She hopes to be on the stages and screens of Australia to increase Indigenous representation in the performing arts and tell Indigenous stories.

Susan Fenty-Studham (stage manager) is a New Yorker who has lived and worked on Whadjuk Boodjar for 28 years. She is a US Fulbright Scholar and educator, who has stage managed for almost 4 decades.

Stage Management credits involve hundreds of shows in 13 countries including: international tours and developments, large-scale events involving up to 1,600 performers, Hecate (performed in Noongar language), Under the Same Sun (2024), Song Circle (2023), Noongar Wonderland, Bali Agung, Varuna (Bali), Opening Ceremonies for Citrawarna: Colours of Malaysia, Perth Festival and NY festivals, Broadway, Lincoln Centre, Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, a decade with West Australian Ballet.

Sue’s doctoral research examined complexities of stage management in intercultural contexts. She is a published arts researcher with interests in brave spaces, regional identity and theatrical processes that respect cultural variation. Publications include, Supporting the Performance of Noongar Language in Hecate (2021) and The Dance and Opera Stage Manager’s Toolkit (Routledge 2024).

Jessica Wyld Photography