Nitja: First Nations Stories to Illuminate Dyoondalup Point Walter at Perth Festival
This weekend, the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan at Dyoondalup Point Walter will come alive with a profound celebration of country and community as part of the prestigious Perth Festival. The event, titled Nitja, promises to be a captivating fusion of art and live performance designed to share deep cultural narratives.
A Free, Family-Friendly Cultural Experience
Nitja is a one-night-only, free event that invites families to gather on Saturday, February 14, from 5pm into the night at the Dyoondalup Point Walter Reserve. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and settle along the scenic riverfront as the sun sets, preparing for an evening where the river itself becomes a stage.
The concert is structured across four distinct chapters, each dedicated to honouring the river's multifaceted role. These chapters will celebrate the Derbarl Yerrigan as a vital source of life, a significant journey-point for travel, a traditional place of gathering and ceremony, and an important site for children's learning and cultural transmission.
Led by Acclaimed First Nations Artists
The artistic direction of Nitja is in the hands of a remarkable collective of First Nations artists and storytellers. The event is led by the acclaimed Noongar artist Ian Wilkes and the talented Yamatji artist Chloe Ogilvie. They are supported by a dedicated team including Rickeeta and Alton Walley.
Adding to the musical gravitas, renowned musician and former Perth Festival artistic director Iain Grandage will serve as the musical director, ensuring a seamless and powerful auditory experience.
The name Nitja itself holds deep meaning, translating to "here" in the Noongar language. This choice underscores the event's core philosophy of connection to place and present moment.
Transforming Landscape into Living Canvas
Dyoondalup Point Walter will be transformed into a dynamic, living canvas where sound, projected image, and movement converge. This multimedia approach aims to reveal and celebrate the enduring cultural significance of this specific area, offering audiences a new way to experience and understand the land.
Artist Ian Wilkes emphasised the event's purpose, stating, "Nitja is about connection, about coming together in a beautiful spot by the Derbal Yerrigan to share stories and song." He further explained, "It's about noticing where we are and celebrating life from here, songs from here, and stories from here, that are still and always have been here."
Wilkes highlighted the collaborative and intergenerational nature of the project, noting, "We've worked closely with an incredibly knowledgeable circle of elders to create and produce Nitja. It has felt like a powerful moment of transition, where the baton is passed to a younger generation of storytellers."
A Commitment to Cultural Leadership
The City of Melville is a key partner in bringing Nitja to life. Zoe Atkinson, the City's creative producer of arts and culture, stated that the event embodies the municipality's strong commitment to elevating First Nations voices and cultural leadership within the arts sector.
"Nitja is a powerful Noongar-led event. We're honoured to work with talented artists Ian Moopa Wilkes, Chloe Ogilvie and Rickeeta Walley to bring this shared experience to life," Atkinson said.
Mayor Katy Mair echoed this sentiment, affirming that Nitja will provide a welcoming and inclusive space for all families. She described it as an opportunity to experience song, dance, storytelling, and art that specifically honours the history and spirit of Dyoondalup Point Walter.
An Unforgettable Evening of Exchange
As night falls over the reserve, the Derbarl Yerrigan will set the scene for what organisers promise will be an unforgettable evening of cultural exchange and celebration. This event represents a significant moment in the Perth Festival calendar, showcasing living culture and deep connection to country in a powerful, accessible format for the entire community.
