Music, Theatre, Special Event
ILBIJERRI Theatre Company
BIG NAME, NO BLANKETS
by Andrea James with Anyupa Butcher & Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher
More InfoCrank 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.
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, Jeremiah Butcher
Photos Brett Boardman & James Henry
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