Ngapartji Ngapartji

Spinifex man Trevor Jamieson, his family, the Ngapartji Ngapartji Choir and some Pitjantjatjara elders and young people come to Belvoir St to share their story.

For two thousand generations Trevor’s people lived in the Western Desert. Then the Spinifex nation found itself in the Cold War. Many were rounded up in cattle trucks and their traditional lands became a test site for British atomic weapons.

Ngapartji Ngapartji means ‘I give you something, you give me something.’ This acclaimed show was a very special swap – a full-voiced, heart bursting exchange of language, culture, song, story and humour.

We teamed up with Big hART and Sydney Festival to present this magnificent lament and celebration. Big hART is a groundbreaking arts and social change company, and they worked for eight years with over 250 people to make the show. Led by the lightfooted Trevor Jamieson and performed by an ensemble of Pitjantjatjara, Japanese, Greek, Indian and Anglo performers, Ngapartji Ngapartji unfolded across the continent and most of the last century in a riveting narrative of our common history.

Jangala Jamieson
Saira Luther
Andrew MacGregor
Pantjiti McKenzie
Lex Marinos
Julie Miller
Beth Sometimes
Yumi Umiumare
Members of the Pitjantjatjara community & the Ngapartji Ngapartji Choir.

Written & Directed by Scott Rankin
Key Performer & Co-creator Trevor Jamieson
Musical Director Damian Mason
Set and Costume Design Genevieve Dugard
Lighting Design Neil Simpson
Assistant Director Dani Powell
Creative Producer Alex Kelly
Filmmaker & Arts Mentor Suzy Bates
Choir Coordinator & Musician Beth Sometimes
Key Language & Culture Advisor & Teacher Lorna Wilson
Choreographer Yumi Umiumare
Shadow Imagery Richard Bradshaw
AV System Design Olaf Meyer

Production photographs by Heidrun Lohr

It’s a magical piece of theatre.

The Herald Sun

It does honour to the festival that has presented it.

The Age

An inclusive plea for understanding and justice.

The Australian

A pure gift.

Theatre Notes