Ya’djin Spirit Women

STORYTELLING, SISTERHOOD AND SPEAKING OUT

By The First Creatives

Ya’djin Spirit Women is the premier full-length production from The First Creatives and is based on stories shared by Kabi Kabi/Kuku Yalanji Aunty Sharyn Malone, and Gooreng Gooreng/Kabi Kabi Aunty Chantay Link. Featuring a cast of First Nations’ women traversing colonial violence, dispossession, abuse, motherhood, blak joy, connection, Country and healing, woven together through dance, theatre and film. This unapologetic work seeks to reclaim and sustain traditional healing practices and inspire future generations to stand strong in their identity and truth. Ya’Djin, meaning ‘speak’, echoes a message of resistance and courage from the artists, inviting the community to speak up and fend off any pressure to remain silent.

CREATIVES

Aunty Chantay Link / Aunty Sharyn Malone - Cultural Advisors

Allirah Fisher - Artist Director

Erika Jayne Goldsmith - Creative Producer

Madison Fisher - Lead Choreographer

CAST

Aunty Chantay Link

Aunty Sharyn Malone

Allirah Fisher

Madison Fisher

Erika Jayne Goldsmith

Kahli Coolwell

Vanessa Coolwell

Rebekah Holdaway

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

TICKETS: Kids under 12 free (seated on mats down the front)

AGES & WARNINGS: Language and content warning: This performance contains course language and references to rape, violence, family and domestic abuse and substance use. The performance also contains images of First Nations women who have passed.

This show presents some adult themes however these are presented in abstract ways and the artists believe that the show is suitable for all ages. Adults may need to be prepared to have conversations with their children after the show.

ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Subtitles, Open door

INFORMATION FOR UNDER 18S:

Backbone Festival is a licensed area, all patrons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.