From the shores of North-East Arnhem Land to the mountains of Taiwan, Gapu Ŋupan (Chasing the Rainbow) brings together First Nations artists in a powerful performance shaped by years of cultural exchange, friendship and shared storytelling. This ambitious collaboration connects Yolŋu artists from North-East Arnhem Land with artists from the Amis and Paiwan peoples of Taiwan, weaving together music, dance, song, video projection and sound design to explore the deep cultural connections that span the Asia-Pacific region. 

Drawing on ancestral stories, songlines and rituals that remain alive today, Gapu Ŋupan honours both the uniqueness of each culture and the shared threads that connect them. It is a celebration of identity, Country and the enduring strength of Indigenous knowledge. 

The story of Gapu Ŋupan began in 2018 when First Nations artist Rachael Wallis travelled to Taiwan as part of Artback NT's Indigenous Artist in Residence Program. There she met Paiwan songwoman and cultural consultant Seredau Tariyaljan, beginning a friendship and creative partnership that would grow over many years. 

Creative development took place across Arnhem Land and Taiwan, with artists travelling, sharing cultural knowledge and, when borders closed during the pandemic, collaborating remotely from their respective Countries. The work evolved slowly through conversation, exchange and trust, eventually premiering at Asia TOPA in Melbourne in 2025. 

At the heart of the performance are the origin stories of the Yolŋu and Paiwan peoples. Audiences are guided through a reimagining of ancient encounters, cultural exchange and the forging of deep spiritual connections. The production moves between direct storytelling and more abstract moments, using movement, music, visuals and sound to evoke places, histories and relationships. 

The work incorporates significant Yolŋu songlines and symbols, including Banumbirr (Morning Star), Wititj (Rainbow Serpent) and the creation stories of Djang'kawu. It also explores important Paiwan concepts, including women's leadership, cultural inheritance and the balance between preserving traditions and embracing change. 

Large-scale video projections filmed on Country in North-East Arnhem Land and Taiwan play a central role, transporting audiences to landscapes and communities many may never have the opportunity to visit. 

While Gapu Ŋupan acknowledges the shared experiences of First Peoples living with the ongoing impacts of colonisation, it is ultimately a work about connection, resilience and possibility. Through collaboration, the artists explore how culture can strengthen identity, build understanding and inspire a shared vision for the future.

As the co-directors explain, they hope audiences leave with a sense of "the spirit of both cultures" and the friendship that has developed through years of exchange. It is an invitation not only to witness two cultures meeting, but to experience the generosity, pride and unity that emerge when stories are shared across oceans and generations. 

Following its acclaimed premiere at Asia TOPA, Gapu Ŋupan returns to the Northern Territory, performing first at Garma Festival on Yolŋu Country before opening at Darwin Festival. For Territory audiences, this is a rare opportunity to experience a groundbreaking international collaboration that is deeply rooted in Arnhem Land and enriched by connections that extend across the region. For many of the artists involved, it is also the fulfilment of a long-held dream: to bring this remarkable work home.

See Gapu Ŋupan at Darwin Festival, 5–6 August, 7pm at INPEX Sunset Stage, Festival Park. Book here