GARABARI by Joel Bray Dance

Image courtesy of Sydney Festival

Garabari flips the usual theatre experience into an all-in dance gathering. Created with Wiradjuri Elders and community, it shares the Giilang – the story and song of how the Murrumbidgee River came to life.

Wiradjuri song and Byron Scullin’s driving electronic beats set the pace. Denni Francisco’s striking designs and Katie Sfetkidis’ immersive lighting turn the space into a vibrant dance floor. Audiences are invited to join the performers in call and response and simple movement, building to a collective finale full of energy and connection, a state of ecstasy.

First Nations people have long used dance and song to share knowledge and bring people together. Garabari carries this practice forward, showing how stories and language continue to live and evolve. Step onto the floor, feel the bass, and be part of a shared celebration of people and Country.

 

"An enlivening experience that celebrates our earth, our first peoples and everyone else in the freest way imaginable"
— Limelight Magazine

Images: by Jeff Busby

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Partners

Event & ticketing details

Accessibility

English No Barrier
Wheelchair Access

Dates & Times

WHEN 30-31 Jan | Fri, Sat 8pm | Sat 2pm
DURATION 1hr 10m

Tickets

FULL $40.00
CONC $30.00
FIRST NATIONS $20.00
FAMILY $50.00 - Matinee Only 4 tickets (one adult three children or two adults two children)
EARLY BIRD 15% off full price tickets on eligible events until 5pm 16 Dec 2025
3-SHOW 10% off full price tickets when booking 3 or more eligible events in one transaction
COMPANION Companion card holders are eligible to book an additional companion ticket - please contact [email protected] to arrange
BOOKING FEE $5.25 per transaction (not per ticket) for ticket sales via midsumma.org.au or 03 9296 6600

Location

Meat Market - Blackwood Box

5 Blackwood St, North Melbourne

Get directions

Tram

19 to stop 9 (Pelham St/Elizabeth St) | tram 58, 59 to stop 14 (Royal Melbourne Hospital) | tram 57 to William St/Victoria St

Event notes

AGE GUIDELINE

All ages

TARGET AUDIENCE

First Nations

WARNINGS

Long periods of standing

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Principal Partners