Koolbardi wer Wardong
A NOTE FROM BREC’S CREATIVE LEARNING COORDINATOR
Award winning songwriters Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse weave magic in an opera sung in Noongar language with English surtitles. Mother Earth tells a cautionary tale to the other animals. Koolbardi the Magpie, and Wardong the Crow are two vain, jealous brothers whose rivalry brings them unstuck. Amazing costumes and set design; humorous and elegant Noongar dance; and jazzy, uplifting orchestral music; this uniquely Australian opera is accessible and engaging for all ages.
FOR SCHOOL YEARS 3 – 12
TEACHER RESOURCES
An Education Kit will be provided including classroom ready Pre-Show and Post-Show activities.
CURRICULUM LINKS
Aboriginal histories and cultures • Introduction of Musical Concepts • Historical Context
Creative and Critical Thinking • Intercultural Understanding and Personal and Social Capabilities
LANGUAGE
Sung in Noongar with English surtitles
KOOLBARDI WER WARDONG
Aliwa yeyi! (Look out now!) Feathers will fly in this cautionary tale.
Koolbardi the Magpie and Wardong the Crow are two very proud, vain, jealous brothers. Watch as their cunning, rivalry and one-upmanship brings them unstuck in spectacular fashion.
We invite you to join us for a journey on Noongar Boodja, back to the Nyittiny, the time of Creation, where love, loyalty, betrayal and jealousy are all stretched to their limits. Because pride always comes before the fall.
Award winning songwriters and story tellers, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse weave magic in a world first, brought to life under the deft direction of Matt Reuben James Ward. Experience the incredible beauty of the language of this land, as this production promises to delight audiences of all ages.
Credits
COMPOSERS Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse
ARRANGEMENT / ORCHESTRATION Dr Chris Stone
DIRECTOR Matthew Reuben, James Ward
MUSIC DIRECTOR Adrian Soares
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR Olman Walley
SET AND COSTUME DESIGN Matt McVeigh
LIGHTING DESIGN Mark Howett
SOUND DESIGN Jeremy Turner
A Wesfarmers Arts Commission
Regional tour supported by the Minderoo Foundation and Playing WA. Children’s Chorus supported by Lotterywest.
Movement Director supported by the Bendat Family Foundation.
This performance is made possible by the support of BREC’s First Nations Audience Development and Program Partner Alcoa.
ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS
To book your school group please book online or download the Creative Learning program and email it to the BREC Education Office.
BREC Education Office
T: 1300 661 272
E: education@bunburyentertainment.com
* Please note that BREC’s Creative Learning Program is subject to change.
Download the Creative Learning Program
BREC Creative Learning Online Booking Form
“This highly entertaining, accessible new family opera, performed in the Noongar language with surtitles, deserves further performances and exposure.”
Limelight Magazine, Marilyn Phillips
“A visual feast of colour and whimsy.”
The West Australian, David Cusworth
“I wanted the show to keep going!”
Seesaw Junior Review, Emma Wadley, Age 10
“I really enjoyed the light-hearted and funny scenes”
Seesaw Junior Review, Liliane Wadley, Age 8