Opera WA has teamed up with Noongar performers to produce a dreaming story from York, Western Australia.
Together, they have brought the story of Wundig and Wilura to life on stage 96 kilometers away in Perth at His Majesty’s theater.
Wundig Wer Wilura is an ancient Noongar story of star-crossed lovers who break the bonds of lore and custom and face the ultimate punishment.
Close to the town of York you will find Mount Brown, and facing opposite, Mount Bakewell.
It's said the lovers had their souls forever banished to become the landmasses, facing each other, forever separated.
Ballardong Noongar Elder Dr. Marion Kickett grew up on the York mission with her family and learned this version of the ancient Dreaming story from her father.
She wrote it down when she was just 12 years old.
Years later, that work has come to fruition: she started working with Western Australia Opera on the production in 2022.
“This story of the two hills, I can’t remember the first time I heard it because I was so little, but it was always a story that was told, not just to me but to any kids that would listen," she told NITV.
“My dad always said 'That’s a dreaming story; that’s our dreaming, and it’s a very important story because it’s got a lot of lessons.'"
Jarrad Inman as Gulambiddi and Jess Hitchock as Wilura.
This production was sung all in Noongar (with English subtitles), and features costumes designed by Noongar artist Peter Farmer.
Jess Hitchcock has connections to the Torres Strait and plays Wilura, a beautiful woman from the grasslands.
Since becoming a professional singer, she has sung in 11 First Nations languages and been in more than five First Nations operas.
She said singing the Noongar language throughout the entire opera was a unique experience.
"It is a gorgeous story; it is a tale as old as time, so to speak, and it’s a gorgeous love story from the Ballardong country and the Noongar people," said Ms. Hitchcock.
“90 per cent of the cast are Noongar people, and it is a Noongar story, and that is a very rare occurrence.
"This is their story, and they are able to tell it themselves.
"You have cultural authority within the room, and you can ask questions about the real people you are telling a story about,” she said.
Jarred Wall is a Wardandi Noongar singer and performer who plays Wundig, a much-loved member of the Hills people.
He said this play should resonate with audiences because it is an ancient love story.
“I think it is important to her to express it not only to the mob but also to people who ordinarily wouldn’t know these stories.
"When you think of opera, you think of some of the demographics that come to opera to generally see what European stories are.
"This is a homegrown story, and it’s a story that is ancient; it is older than Romeo and Juliet,” said Mr. Wall.
After nearly a week of performances, the show comes to a close tonight, but the cast and crew are hopeful it will soon get toured across Australia and around the world.
