Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
Monjingup Reserve, Esperance
13th -15th December
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!"
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More info
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.
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Our Partners
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Project Team
- Cindi Drennan Team Director
- Samantha Ray Creative Producer, Sound Producer
- Craig Laurendet Technical Manager
- Zero Luke Shaw Animator
- Tom Kitney Lighting Designer
- Cassandra Douglas Event Management Consultant
- Mitch Orr Technical Project Manager - PAV
- Vince Greenwood Vision Director - PAV
- Bosko Dimitrijevic Technical Team - PAV
- Selena Technical Team - PAV
- Laurie Caddy Independent Technical Specialist Support
- Justin Powell Independent Technical Specialist Support
- Susan Clarke Phase One Project Consultant
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credits
Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation Credits:
Welcome to Country:
Elder Kevin Reynolds SnrLantern Forest:
Naomi Stanizki
Mylene van Heijster
Candice Smith – Visual Artist
Team at Jatek Engineering
Community members
ETNTAC staffCultural 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 AcademyTjaltjraak Sculpture:
Sharyn Egan – Visual Artist
Colleen Frost – Textile Artist
Community MembersJennell Reynolds : Visual Artist, Artistic Director, Event Mananger ETNTAC
Zoe Bullen : Cultural Consultant
Hayleigh Graham : Cultural Consultant
Jane Mulcock : Community Program Facilitator -
Project Data
Project ID # 1389
Project Type: