Through Dharug women, Country comes alive.
Jannawi means “with me, with you” in Dharug language – a statement of welcome and solidarity. For over a decade, the all-female Jannawi Dance Clan have woven traditional and contemporary dance to ensure Dharug songlines thrive.
Their most ambitious work yet, Garrigarrang Badu, is created and choreographed by artistic director Peta Strachan in collaboration with Jannawi Dance Clan dancers. Women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations across the continent come together in a large-scale celebration of Dharug Country – the land on which they now live, dance and create.
Garrigarrang (“salt water”) and Badu (“fresh water”) tells the story of Dharug nation, which spans from the mountains to the sea, paying homage to the vital role women have played for millennia in shaping and carrying Dharug culture. It’s a powerful reflection on the ties between land, body and spirit, bearing witness to the strength, resilience and creativity of women.
This is a living act of cultural continuation – one that ensures the future of Dharug language, stories, and dance. After a celebrated development showing at Sydney Festival 2023, Garrigarrang Badu returns in 2026 in full flight at the Sydney Opera House.
POST-SHOW TALK
After the performance at 1pm Saturday 10 January, we invite you to stay and join a 60 minute special Dharug Knowledge Holders Panel, facilitated by Cathie Craigie. Dharug knowledge holders will come together to share the cultural storytelling and knowledge at the heart of Garrigarrang Badu – exploring the making of the work, the importance of language revitalisation, truth-telling, our river systems, and Dharug culture and lore. This is a rare opportunity to go deeper, listen closely, and connect with the voices behind Garrigarrang Badu.
Important Information:
Duration 1 hour, 10 minutes (no interval)
Times:
Fri 9th Jan - 6:30pm
Sat 10th Jan - 1:00pm
Sat 10th Jan - 6:30pm
Content advice: This performance contains theatrical haze, flashing lights, and dynamic sound.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this performance contains voices of people who have passed.
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