A CELEBRATION of Noongar storytelling, dance and song will light up the Melville foreshore next month.
Led by acclaimed performer Ian Moopa Wilkes, Nitja (Aboriginal for ‘here’) will explore the rich history of Dyoondalup/Point Walter.
“We’re presenting the histories and significance of that place through our dreaming stories,” Wilkes says.
“And that sandbar extended out from Dyoondalup is a significant dreaming story.
“It’s about a spirit woman whose long white hair ends up becoming the Milky Way.”
The free event will be held on Valentines Day (Saturday February 14).
Wilkes says the area has a romantic subtext.
• Previous events held at Dyoondalup/Point Walter. photos by Linda Dunjey and Ian Moopa Wilkes (bottom right).
“It’s a place of love and marriage where young couples would meet to present to their families,” he says.
“So there’s a lot of generational history at Dyoondalup and it’s a significant place in our culture.”
A former graduate of WAAPA, where he studied Aboriginal theatre, Wilkes is performing at the event.
He will be supported by an experienced team of creatives with a live house band, dancers and themed projections.
“Some of the animation is beautiful and represents the strong morals and meanings in our stories,” Wilkes says.
“The music is being handled by Iain Grandage and we’ve got a great band, Mongeeya, with a desert rock vibe.
“Artists Chloe Ogilvie and Rickeeta Walley are also highly involved with the show.”
Wilkes says Melville Council deserves credit for its Noongar -related events including the recent Place Names initiative, which celebrated the original Noongar name of sites in the suburb.
Held at sunset on the banks of Dyoondalup/Point Walter, Nitja should be an atmospheric affair and perfect for a picnic.
“It’s a place of family and togetherness,” Wilkes says.
“The shimmering of water and the white shimmering of the stars.” Nitja is on Saturday February 14 from 5pm-8pm on the banks of Dyoondalup/Point Walter. For more info see melvillecity.com.au.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK