Boodja Dwordak Wirn - illuminart stories in light

Boodja Dwordak Wirn

Boodja Dwordak Wirn beckoned 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 led us under vast tree guardians to reflective shores in the land of the Tjaltjraak. Floating through an elaborate lantern trail as we listened and learned, we meandered into an oceanic immersion to sway with the powerful salty swell.

Boodja Dwordak Wirn means ‘Bringing Country’s Spirit Back to Life’.

This reawakening project launched in 2023 with First Lights. Developing over time, in December 2024 the project culminated in 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 deepened our connection with Country and cast 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 were an incredible feature of this three night event on Kepa Kurl.

This community project is all about coming together to care for and connect with the Country we now share, and to create positive change for the future.

For more information about the event experience and its outcomes head here.

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

"It was so beautifully displayed & the storytelling was perfectly represented together with subtle sounds & light creating a mystical, spiritual & artistic installation. Loved it!"

  • 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 were 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.

  • Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation Credits:

    Welcome to Country:
    Elder Kevin Reynolds Snr

    Lantern Forest:
    Naomi Stanizki
    Mylene van Heijster
    Candice Smith – Visual Artist
    Team at Jatek Engineering
    Community members
    ETNTAC staff

    Cultural Dance:
    Kyle Morrison : Choreography and dance director
    Clint Bracknell : Composer, lyrics and vocals
    David Riley, Moniquah Graham & Talisha Dempster : Youth Dance Mentors
    Wanika Close
    STARS Students
    Clontarf Academy

    Tjaltjraak Sculpture:
    Sharyn Egan – Visual Artist
    Colleen Frost – Textile Artist
    Community Members

    Jennell Reynolds : Visual Artist, Artistic Director, Event Mananger ETNTAC
    Zoe Bullen : Cultural Consultant
    Hayleigh Graham : Cultural Consultant
    Jane Mulcock : Community Program Facilitator