Boodja Dwordak Wirn

Boodja Dwordak Wirn beckons us on a winding journey through the wonderful wetlands of Monjingup in Kepa Kurl, blending cultural storytelling with the unique landscape through the special magic of light projection and sound.

Delicate luminous pathways lead us under vast tree guardians to reflective shores in the land of the Tjaltjraak. We float through an elaborate lantern trail as we listen and learn, sinking into an oceanic immersion to sway with the powerful salty swell.

Boodja Dwordak Wirn means ‘Bringing Country’s Spirit Back to Life’ and this reawakening project launched in 2023 with First Lights. It continues today with an immersive and tactile experience, featuring artistic community installations and celebrating the beautiful natural features of Kepa Kurl in the unique atmosphere of the evening.

Each vibrant element deepens our connection with Country and casts a magical glow of cultural wonder and wisdom over water and glade. Artistic contributions of the local Wudjari families of Kepa Kurl and the local community will be a feature of this three night event on Kepa Kurl.

This event is presented by Esperance Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, in partnership with illuminart, and is proudly supported by Lotterywest.

Boodja Dwordak Wirn’s inception performance on Country, First Lights, took place during May 2023 in a partnership between Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Fremantle Biennale and Stellar Lights.

First Lights: Boodja Dwordak Wirn, was led by Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation and the six Wudjari families of Kepa Kurl (Esperance).

The cultural content for the First Lights performance was developed by Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation with contributions from Kepa Kurl Wudjari six family groups, the Dabb, Boxer-Rogers, Reynolds, Yorkshire/Knapp, Bullen and Tucker families, and led by local Wudjari artist Jennell Reynolds (Nannapa).

"Across the white sand beaches and ancient granite domes of the Esperance foreshore, stories are revealed of deep connections and knowledge of sea Country. Of ancient rhythms between ancestors, wadarn (ocean) and the many creatures that call this place home."