20 — 21 Sep
Big Name, No Blankets
Presented by Brisbane Festival, QPAC and The University of Queensland, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company
You might think we're flash up here, but we come from a little place with a big heart and a big story...
Big Name, No Blankets celebrates the phenomenal journey and impact of Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher, one of the founding members of Australian music icons Warumpi Band in an epic rock 'n' roll theatre show. Warumpi Band is the original First Peoples rock band to sing in language, known for their anthems 'Blackfella/Whitefella', 'My Island Home' and 'Jailanguru Pakurnu'. Big Name, No Blankets is inspired by their rise to the top through their politics, presence, and potent rock 'n' roll riffs.
Founding band member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher is the journey’s charismatic narrator, who weaves intimate storytelling with larger-than-life rock 'n' roll songs. Discover how Sammy (vocals) and his two younger brothers, Gordon (drummer) and Brian (bass), went from jamming on a flour drum in Papunya in the 1970s to wild nights conquering pub rock and touring the world.
As the first band to sing rock 'n' roll in Aboriginal languages, Warumpi Band greatly influenced the likes of music greats Yothu Yindi and Coloured Stone. True to their roots, the show weaves in culture from Central Australia and Northeast Arnhem Land and two ancestral languages — Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha) — as the band navigates divides between bush and city, white and black, fame and family.
You're invited into the world of these central desert legends. Stomp your feet, clap your hands and get swept away by this big-hearted story.
Writer: Andrea James
Story and Cultural Consultant: Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher (founding member of Warumpi Band)
Co-Directors: Dr Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher
Music Director: Gary Watling
Cinematographer & Sound Designer: James Henry
Sound Arrangements and Composition: Crystal Butcher
Sound Arrangements and Composition Mentor: David Bridie
Set Designer: Emily Barrie
Lighting Designer: Jenny Hector
Costume Designer: Heidi Brooks
Video Content Designer: Sean Bacon
Animation: Patricia McKean and Guck
Producers: Nina Bonacci & Alexandra Paige
Theatre Consultant: Sarah Goodes
Warumpi Family Consultants: Suzina McDonald & Marion Burarrwanga
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government's Major Festivals Initiative, managed by Creative Australia, its Arts Funding and Advisory Body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by RISING, Sydney Festival, Darwin Festival, Brisbane Festival and Adelaide Festival. ILBIJERRI is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Image by Brett Boardman
This project is supported through the Giving Program by Tim Fairfax AC & Gina Fairfax AC.
Production Partners
Price
$59 — $79
Times
7:00pm
Duration
105 minutes, no interval
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Assistive Listening
Auslan Interpreted Event
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#Artist
ILBIJERRI Theatre
ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is Australia’s longest-running First Peoples’ theatre company, over 30 years strong. They create, present and tour challenging and provocative theatrical works that share the experiences of First People in Australia today.
#Partners
How to get there
Concert Hall, QPAC ›
Cnr Grey and, Melbourne St,
South Brisbane QLD 4101
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