ngalnya dhadjowa by Allara

Staunch Yorta Yorta artist Allara presents ngalnya dhadjowa, a reflective performance and creative offering that traces her decade-long journey of identity, cultural reclamation, and intergenerational healing on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, Naarm.

Rooted in a documentary project first initiated in 2015 titled beautiful sunshine, the performance is a meta reflection, a deeper, layered storytelling experience drawing from Allara’s search for truth, connection and belonging.

The name ngalnya dhadjowa, the Yorta Yorta translation of Beautiful Sunshine, was inspired by the meaning of Allara’s own name. It all began with a spontaneous visit to her maternal Grandfather, known as Uncle Donny Briggs, in Shepparton, a moment that changed everything. There, she first encountered the brutal headline “Yorta Yorta told they don’t exist”, an article about the Yorta Yorta Native Title struggle.

This sliding door moment sent Allara on a path guided by the footsteps of her old people. Her already deep desire to understand her mob’s history, kinship, and cultural identity became the bedrock of a film that was never finished… until now, but, in another form.

At its heart, this work is grounded in the unwavering strength of her Mum, her matriarch, Sue Briggs. Hers is a story of selflessness, resilience, and love - a testament to the power of intergenerational healing and the enduring legacy of incredible Blak Women.

That’s what this show is really about.

Featuring visuals operated by Jeevika Rajagopal (@nomadicstatic)

Film directed by Cat Hoang.

Accessibility:

Free tickets for companions available. Please reach out to ronen@liquidarchitecture.org.au to organise.

For any further confidential access support, please reach out to ronen@liquidarchitecture.org.au with any request you may. Liquid Architecture strives to make the event accessible, safe and affordable.

Co-presented by Dardi Munwurro in collaboration with Fuse Festival

Photo Credit - Grace Auld @graceauldphotography