Tjaabi–Flood Country is a deeply moving contemporary performance that brings together music, theatre, and storytelling to share a lived experience of growing up in the Pilbara. Ten years in the making, this work has emerged through strong cultural collaboration, offering a rich and respectful dialogue between First Nations knowledge and broader Australian audiences.
At its heart is Ngarluma man Patrick Churnside, a respected cultural leader and artist, who invites audiences—both First Nations and non-Indigenous—into the world of tjaabi, a traditional song form unique to the Pilbara. Through poetic lyrics, personal stories, humour, and stunning live music, Patrick shares stories that connect land, language, family, and community.
Each tjaabi reflects a specific place, memory, or ancestral moment, handed down through generations. They carry emotions that range from joyful and cheeky to reflective and profound. Tjaabi songs are both culturally grounded and welcoming, making this performance an open space for connection and learning.
Set against the backdrop of a changing climate and growing pressures on Country from mining and resource extraction, Tjaabi–Flood Country is a response to both cultural strength and ecological challenge. It evokes the Pilbara’s vast landscapes—from desert to coastline—and gives voice to the enduring knowledge held within language and songlines.
Created in collaboration with acclaimed writer and director Scott Rankin and the award-winning team at Big hART, this is theatre that speaks across cultures, offering a vision for a future built on mutual respect, listening, and shared storytelling.
Expect a unique blend of:
- Live music and song
- Theatre and spoken word
- Animation and visual storytelling
- Cultural knowledge and contemporary relevance
Join us for an unforgettable night of connection, insight, and powerful performance.
TICKETS
- Adult - $25.00
- Concession - $20.00 (proof of concession must be presented with your ticket at the event)
- 17 years and under - $5.00