Ngapartji Ngapartji

Big hART

Theatre Music

Spinifex man Trevor Jamieson, his family, the Ngapartji Ngapartji Choir and some Pitjantjatjara elders and young people share their story. For two thousand generations Trevor’s people lived in the Western Desert. Then the Spinifex nation found itself in the Cold War. Many were rounded up in cattle trucks and their traditional lands became a test site for British atomic weapons.

Ngapartji Ngapartji means ‘I give you something, you give me something.’ This acclaimed show was a very special swap – a full-voiced, heart bursting exchange of language, culture, song, story and humour. Big hART is a groundbreaking arts and social change company, and they worked for eight years with over 250 people to make the show. Led by the lightfooted Trevor Jamieson and performed by an ensemble of Pitjantjatjara, Japanese, Greek, Indian and Anglo performers, Ngapartji Ngapartji unfolded across the continent and most of the last century in a riveting narrative of our common history.

 

Written & Directed by Scott Rankin 
Key Performer & Co-creator 
Trevor Jamieson
Musical Director 
Damian Mason
Set and Costume Design 
Genevieve Dugard
Lighting Design 
Neil Simpson
Assistant Director 
Dani Powell
Creative Producer 
Alex Kelly
Filmmaker & Arts Mentor 
Suzy Bates
Choir Coordinator & Musician 
Beth Sometimes
Key Language & Culture Advisor & Teacher 
Lorna Wilson
Choreographer 
Yumi Umiumare
Shadow Imagery 
Richard Bradshaw
AV System Design
 Olaf Meyer

Cast Jangala Jamieson, Saira Luther, Andrew MacGregor, Pantjiti McKenzie, Lex Marinos, Julie Miller, Beth Sometimes, Yumi Umiumare, members of the Pitjantjatjara community & the Ngapartji Ngapartji Choir.

 

Image | Alex Craig

"It’s a magical piece of theatre."

The Herald Sun

"It does honour to the festival that has presented it."

The Age

"An inclusive plea for understanding and justice."

The Australian