Yirramboi Festival is back and ready to crack the city wide open. Over ten days, First Nations artists will light up the laneways, streets and spaces with an electric program of spectacular performances, innovative commissions and world premieres.
'Yirramboi', which translates to 'tomorrow' in the local languages of the Boonwurrung and Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations, will take over Melbourne (Naarm) from May 4 until May 14.
This main hive of activity for this year’s festival will centre around the Uncle Jack Charles event space – named after the late Aboriginal actor, activist and great arts Elder. Located in North Melbourne’s Meat Market, the venue will spotlight the work of First Nations artists in comedy, cabaret, music and fashion.
Across wide-spanning artistic expressions, Yirramboi’s 2023 program will set Naarm alight with installations, visual art, photography, drag and dance. And on May 6, taking place for the first time ever, Barring Yanabul will see First Nations artists from across Australia weave through the streets of Melbourne to create a citywide ‘blak out’.
Other highlights from the program include five world premiere commissions, including a biopunk drag cabaret show; a runway show redefining First Nations Fashion; the DJ PGZ Live Experience, where the Gunai/Kurnai and Yorta Yorta DJ will bring his underground club music to Melbourne Town Hall; and the Uncle Archie Roach Block Party which includes a flaming line-up of acts like Amos Roach, rapper Kobie Dee and the legendary Kutcha Edwards.
For the full festival program and to purchase tickets, visit the Yirramboi Festival here.
