YIRRAMBOI
May 1 – 11, 2025
YIRRAMBOI returns from May 1-11 with a dynamic program celebrating the depth, resilience and creativity of First Nations dance. From groundbreaking contemporary works to immersive cultural experiences, these performances push boundaries, challenge narratives, and invite audiences into powerful stories of identity, connection, and transformation. With so many incredible performances to explore, these dance highlights are an absolute must-see.
Monster in the Cyborg Body
Sat 3 May, The Channel, Arts Centre Melbourne
A sun-up-to-sundown journey through two seminal solo works in First Nations performance art, Monster in the Cyborg Body sees acclaimed performance artist Joshua Pether merge Monster–the enigmatic YIRRAMBOI 2017 premiere that became an urban legend in the arts industry–with its predecessor, Cyborg Body, the foundation of his artistic practice.
Staged at Arts Centre Melbourne’s The Channel, this reimagined performance unfolds as a living, evolving experience. Guest artists weave through the work as collaborators, and audiences are invited to engage at their own pace–drop in anytime, stay as long as you like, and immerse yourself in this powerful exploration of body, identity, and transformation. 
Cut the Sky
Fri 9 – Sat 10 May, The Uncle Jack Charles The Merlyn Malthouse
A riveting pre-apocalyptic odyssey, Cut the Sky, fuses dance theatre, song, and storytelling to confront the inevitability of climate collapse while daring audiences to imagine alternative futures. Created by Marrugeku, this powerful and provocative performance unearths the colonial mindset that has transformed First Nations lands into a resource supermarket exposing the deep fissures left behind–division, inequality, violence, and disaster.
With cyclonic choreography, evocative video art, and music by Ngaiire and Tanya Tagaq, Cut the Sky is visceral, urgent, and unflinching. A diverse cast of First Nations and settler performers bring raw intensity to this bold call for resilience and repair, reminding us that hope still shimmers on the horizon–but only if we take action.
BLAKOUT 2.0
Fri 2 – Sat 3 May, The Uncle Jack Charles The Merlyn Malthouse
Returning after winning the Green Room Award for Best Outstanding Ensemble at YIRRAMBOI 2023, BLAKOUT 2.0 boldly redefines shared queer and cultural experience. This groundbreaking global iteration blends contemporary art, ballroom, movement, music, and storytelling into a mesmerising celebration of identity and resilience. With unapologetic vibrancy, the performance honours the intersections of queerness and culture, fostering global connections across the Pacific to Turtle Island. Special international guest artist Waawaate Fobister, the renowned 2-Spirit Anishinaabe dancer, playwright, and performer from Asubpeeschoseewagong, joins the lineup for a night of cultural queer liberation.
Platform
Thu 8 – Sun 18 May, St Heliers Street Gallery
A showcase of Platform, a First Nations-led creative development program supporting multi-generational choreographers and contemporary dance artists. In 2024, Djirri Djirri dancers Mikayla George and Kiera Hunter, under the leadership of Dr. Mandy Nicholson, joined choreographers Vicki Van Hout, Joel Bray, and A Daylight Connection (Carly Sheppard, Kamarra Bell-Wykes, and Small Sound) to develop and share new contemporary dance works.
The creative process was documented through photography and interviews, offering a visual and reflective insight into the evolution of their artistry. This exhibition provides an intimate look at their journey, highlighting the depth of First Nations storytelling through movement and innovation.
ENOKi’s Wonderland
Thu 1 – Sun 11 May, ArtPlay
A vibrant playspace for children aged 2 to 8 years, ENOKi’s Wonderland invites families to explore a world of visual art, music, movement, and sensory play along the Birrarung. Designed as a dedicated creative space for Bubups (babies and young children), this interactive installation encourages kids to connect, collaborate, and create through hands-on activities inspired by local Indigenous plants and animals.
At ArtPlay, children can craft puppets for shadow play, build a shared playspace, relax on soft cushions or immerse themselves in stories and music–a space where imagination knows no bounds.
Special Event: Bubup’s First Rave! On Sunday, May 11th (Mother’s Day), families are invited to dance, play, and move their mooms (bottoms) at a special Bubup Rave, an energetic and joyful gathering for kids of all ages, from babies to 13 years old.
YIRRAMBOI x Chunky Move – Morning Dance Classes
Thu 1 – Sat 10 May, Chunky Move
Experience a full First Nations takeover of Chunky Move’s dance studio with a series of morning classes led by both local and international First Nations artists. Running throughout the festival, the program offers adult beginner, open-level, and masterclass in contemporary dance, taught by esteemed First Nations professionals working within the contemporary dance community. This unique opportunity is free for First Peoples, with a special festival rate available for non-Indigenous participants.
