Ilbijerri Theatre Company | Big Name, No Blankets
A rock ‘n’ roll gig theatre extravaganza celebrating the phenomenal journey and impact of Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher, founding member of Australian music icons Warumpi Band.
BIG NAME, NO BLANKETS celebrates the phenomenal journey of Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher, a founding member of iconic group, Warumpi Band, in an epic rock 'n' roll theatre show.
Celebrated for bringing First Peoples culture to the world, Warumpi Band were the fi rst to record music in Aboriginal language, singing in Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha). They became renowned for their politics and activism communicated through song.
Big Name, No Blankets brings this pivotal chapter in Australian music history into the present, co-directed by Dr Rachael Maza AM, Artistic Director of ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, and daughter of Sammy Butcher, Anyupa Butcher. The show is narrated by actor Baykali Ganambarr (as Sammy), who takes audiences on a journey through the highs and lows of this iconic group's trajectory, from their origins in the Papunya desert in 1970 to their wild and wonderful years spent writing songs on the road while touring the outback and cities in Europe.
With powerful musical performances throughout – including Warumpi Band hits ‘Blackfella/Whitefella’, ‘My Island Home’, ‘Go Bush’ and many more – the characters navigate the emotional divide between bush and city, white and black, fame and family.
Big Name, No Blankets is exemplary of Warumpi’s extraordinary legacy as the ‘People’s Band’, showcasing their huge impact, and joyful ambition to make music that fostered mutual respect and understanding throughout communities.
"I wanted my story to be shared with our mob everywhere, because we all need to keep going and my dream is to bring hope to everyone” — Sammy Butcher
Step into the world of these central desert legends. Stomp your feet, clap your hands, sing along and get swept away by this big-hearted story from the bush.
“Has the audience screaming and stomping joyfully” — ★★★★★ Arts Hub
"The most uplifting, big-hearted, and charismatic First Nations musical" — The Sydney Morning Herald
“It is transformative [...] The band is hot and unstoppable, the cast a joyful expression of music and story” - ★★★★ The Guardian
“This show is all heart” — ABC NEWS
CREDITS
Writer
Andrea James
Story and Cultural Consultant
Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher (founding member of Warumpi Band)
Co-Directors
Dr Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher
Music Director
Gary Watling
Cinematographer & Sound Designer
James Henry
Sound Arrangements and Composition
Crystal Butcher
Sound Arrangements and Composition Mentor
David Bridie
Set Designer
Emily Barrie
Lighting Designer
Jenny Hector
Costume Designer
Heidi Brooks
Video Content Designer
Sean Bacon
Animation
Patricia McKean and Guck
Core Band
Gary Watling, Malcolm Beveridge, Jason Butcher, Jeremiah Butcher (TBC)
Performers
Baykali Ganambarr (Sammy)
Teangi Knox (Gordon 7 drums)
Taj Pigram (George)
Jackson Peele (Neil)
Cassandra Williams (Suzina, Mum & Ensemble)
Tibian Wyles (Ian, Ensemble)
Producers
Nina Bonacci & Alexandra Paige
Theatre Consultant
Sarah Goodes
Dramaturg
Amy Sole
Production Manager
Nathan Evers
Stage Manager
Celina Mack
Assistant Stage Managers
PJ Rosas & Sophie Walter
Audio Engineer
Daniel Lade
Monitor Engineer
Tui Rapata Hohepa Campbell
Lighting Associate
Travis Kecek
Warumpi Family Consultants
Suzina McDonald & Marion Burarrwanga
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government's Major Festivals Initiative, managed by Creative Australia, its Arts Funding and Advisory Body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by RISING, Sydney Festival, Darwin Festival, Brisbane Festival, Adelaide Festival and Perth Festival. ILBIJERRI is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Dates
Times
7.30pm
Prices
Adult
$85
Concession
$78
Araluen Theatre Member
$75
Genre
Location
Extra information
Online ticketing is available up until one hour prior to the performance.
For ticket purchases after this time, please visit the Araluen Box Office or call us on (08) 8951 1122.
Accessibility
Performed in English, Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha).
Warning
Haze & Strobe will be used during the performance.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this performance contains images, names and representations of people who have passed away.
Booking Fee
For this event, a one-off service fee of $2.50 per transaction applies on all purchases online. All ticket prices include GST.