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Music, Theatre, Special Event
ILBIJERRI Theatre Company

BIG NAME, NO BLANKETS

by Andrea James with Anyupa Butcher & Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher

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Crank up the amps and plug into the heart of Papunya (Warumpi) in a rock ‘n’ roll theatre extravaganza.

Big Name, No Blankets celebrates the phenomenal journey and impact of Warumpi Band, inspired by stories from one of the founding members, Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher. From their humble beginnings in Papunya to taking on main stages around the world, these Australian music icons made history as the first rock ‘n’ roll band to sing in Aboriginal language.

Feel the thrill of a live concert as you rock out to blak anthems like ‘Jailanguru Pakarnu’, ’My Island Home’ and the legendary ‘Blackfella/Whitefella’ performed by an onstage band featuring the next generation of talented Butchers.

Big Name, No Blankets was created in collaboration with the families of Warumpi Band members and is co-directed by theatre icon Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher. Packed with rockstar performances, iconic songs and humour, this uplifting show about how music can influence massive change will have you dancing, clapping and singing along.

Settle in before it starts to enjoy a live performance from Maningrida band Wildfire Manwurrk, keeping the First Nations rock tradition alive.


Wildfire Manwurrk are a melting pot of traditional songlines from ancient times, thrashing rock guitars and the stories men face in a world of culture, chaos and change. They are the intersection where a tidal wave of change meets the oldest culture on earth and sounds like an ’80s garage rock anthem sung in age-old endangered languages. The perfect way to start you night at Big Name, No Blankets.

Reviews
  • 'The band is hot and unstoppable, the cast a joyful expression of music and story.

    The Guardian
  • 'Has the audience screaming and stomping joyfully.

    ArtsHub
Credits
  • Writer Andrea James

  • Story & Cultural Consultant Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher

  • Directors Dr Rachael Maza AM & Anyupa Butcher

  • Music Director Gary Watling

  • Performers Baykali Ganambarr (Sammy), Teangi Knox (Gordon & drums), Taj Pigram (George), Jackson Peele (Neil), Cassandra Williams (Suzina, Mum & Ensemble), Tibian Wyles (Brian, Ensemble & Understudy)

  • Cinematographer & Sound Designer James Henry

  • Sound Arrangements & Composition Crystal Butcher

  • Sound Arrangements & Composition Mentor David Bridie

  • Set Designer Emily Barrie

  • Lighting Designer Jenny Hector

  • Costume Designer Heidi Brooks

  • Video Content Designer Sean Bacon

  • Producers Nina Bonacci & Alexandra Paige

  • Theatre Consultant Sarah Goodes

  • Dramaturg Amy Sole

  • Production Manager Nathan Evers

  • Stage Manager Celina Mack

  • Lighting Associate Travis Kecek

  • Assistant Stage Manager PJ Rosas & Sophie Walter

  • Audio Engineer Daniel Lade

  • Monitor Engineer Tui Rapata Hohepa Campbell

  • Warumpi Family Consulting Suzina McDonald & Marion Burarrwanga

  • Core Band Gary Watling Malcolm Beveridge Jason Butcher Angus McKean

  • Photos Brett Boardman

Proudly supported by

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, Perth Festival and Adelaide Festival

Supported by Festivals Australia

Supported by Community Benefit Event Fund

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