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Direct from North East Arnhem Land, Indigenous Australian dance sensations and landmark dance/theatre company that took the world by storm present their internationally acclaimed smash hit production. Unique, infectious, high-energy... like a confetti cannon point blank to the heart. Djuki Mala wow audiences with a spectacular fusion of traditional dance, pop-culture and storytelling that is a marvel of timing, comedy and clowning with a hefty dose of heart and soul! 

Their appearances have electrified audiences at major festivals and events worldwide with multiple award nominations and wins alongside huge media interest. Djuki Mala’s performances offer a rare and insightful view into Indigenous Australia.

 

Photo: courtesy Blue King Brown/Gurrumul

Productions
Djuki Mala
Wrong Skin

Ngurru-milmarrmiriw (Wrong Skin) (2010)

“The whole show powerfully reveals the beauty of this ancient culture, its adaptiveness and curiosity.”

Theatre Notes

 

 

From the broken asphalt of the open-air Galiwinku Saturday Night Disco, the Chooky Dancers of Elcho Island captured 1.4 million YouTube fans worldwide with their exuberant interpretation of Zorba the Greek.

 

Elcho Island is home to a remote Northern Territory community called Galiwinku. In Ngurru-milmarrmiriw (Wrong Skin), Elcho Island community and Elders collaborate with award-winning director Nigel Jamieson (Honour Bound) to create a Romeo and Juliet tale of forbidden love in a community where the complex laws of ‘skin’ and clan define all relationships.

 

Ngurru-milmarramiriw (pronounced nurru-mill-murra-myrew) is a contemporary Indigenous dance theatre piece, combining traditional Indigenous and contemporary dance to create a unique Australian work. Performed by Yolgnu artists include the wildly spirited Chooky Dancers – whose unbridled interpretations include everything from Bollywood to Taiwanese martial arts alongside traditional creation stories – Wrong Skin also reveals how new technologies, in the hands of the island’s media-savvy youth, can connect the remote with the global and inspire us all.

 

In loving memory of Frank.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS & PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Djuki Mala (2012)

“…playful, charming and informative, like a family-friendly diplomatic envoy, sharing hope and knowledge from North-East Arnhem Land.”

Sydney Morning Herald

Join a joyous celebration 60,000 years in the making.

 

Direct from Elcho Island, Djuki Mala (Djuki meaning ‘bird’ with a Yolngu accent and Mala meaning ‘mob’) perform a high-energy and stunning fusion of traditional Indigenous culture, contemporary dance and storytelling.

 

Since their 2007 clip of ‘Zorba the Greek’ went viral, they’ve been consistently thrilling audiences with reinterpretations of popular culture and traditional dances in a way that juxtaposes contemporary Yolngu culture.

 

The show tells the genesis of Djuki Mala, interspersed with multimedia and gives audiences the opportunity to experience some of the more intimate moments and turning points that have shaped them, in a show that is a marvel of timing, comedy and clowning, with a hefty dose of heart and soul.

photo: courtesy Blue King Brown/Gurrumul

Tours

Tours

Mandurah

Mandurah Performing Arts Centre

3 October 2020

Harvey

Harvey Recreation and Cultral Centre

4 October 2020

Narrogin

Arts Narrogin - Narrogin Town Hall

7 October 2020

Bunbury

Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre

9 October 2020

Manjimup

Sandra Donovan Sound Shell

10 October 2020

Albany (NEW SHOW ADDED)

Albany Entertainment Centre

11 October 2020

Ravensthorpe

Ravensthorpe Town Hall

14 October 2020

Esperance

Esperance Civic Centre

16 October 2020

Kalgoorlie

Goldfields Arts Centre

17 October 2020

Merredin

Cummins Theatre

20 October 2020

Yalgoo

Yalgoo Community Hall - FREE EVENT

23 October 2020

Meekatharra

VENUE CHANGED >>> MEEKATHARRA SPORTING COMPLEX OVAL<<<

25 October 2020

Perth

The Regal Theatre, Subiaco

29, 30, 31 October 2020

Ningaloo

Ningaloo Centre

5 November 2020

Newman

Newman Recreation Centre

8 November 2020

Karratha

Red Earth Arts Precinct

12 November 2020

Roebourne

Ngurin Centre & Roebourne Cultural Complex - FREE EVENT

14 November 2020

Broome

Broome Civic Centre

20, 21 November 2020

Whyalla

Middleback Arts Centre

25 November 2020

Port Pirie

Northern Festival Centre

26 November 2020

Renmark

Chaffey Theatre

28 November 2020

Please reload

photo: courtesy Blue King Brown/Gurrumul

Background

Background

Djuki Mala achieved overnight success when Frank Djirrimbilpilwuy uploaded a video clip of the group dancing to “Zorba the Greek” on YouTube in October 2007. Within twelve weeks it had peaked at over 500,000 hits worldwide and to date it stands at over 2.5 million views. 

 

The dance was initially developed by Lionel Dulmanawuy, Frank’s youngest son. It was created as a thank you to a very special Greek lady named Liliane who was the main carer of his sister, Priscilla.

 

The funny dancing and comedic element of their performance also has its origins in their community, explains Lionel. “It’s a tradition in a young boy’s initiation ceremony. You make up funny dances and do them at the ceremony to make it more of a fun day for the young boy. Zorba the Greek is an extension of that.”

 

Since 2007 they have created a number of shows combining their re-interpretations of popular culture and dance with narrative and drama. The work reflects the juxtapositions they see in contemporary Yolngu culture, and offers a rare and insightful view into Aboriginal Australia. The Chooky Dancers were invited to perform their hit in Greece by the descendants and creator of the movie, Zorba the Greek.

With a busy touring schedule, they have performed to ecstatic crowds in China, the Solomon Islands, Canada, Sydney Festival, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Perth and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Ten Days on the Island and in 2016 toured through Europe and the Middle East as part of a DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade) Cultural Diplomacy program - highlights of the tour included performances in Tel Aviv, at the Cairo Opera House, El Madina Theatre in Lebanon and performing to a Greek speaking audience in Cyprus. 

 

After months of preparation, much of the self-titled 2nd major production was built on Elcho Island in early 2014, in a cramped training centre with low-slung fans and a fridge door that doubled as a change room. The show opened to standing ovations at the Darwin Entertainment Centre in late February that year before heading off down the track on a tour of the eastern and southern states.

 

Always exuberant and blending their contemporary experience as young people with their traditional culture, their identity as Yolngu people is always in the foreground. Djuki Mala fuse traditional and contemporary forms of dance.

Dressed in traditional costumes and ochre, with Gara (spears) & Galpu (spear thrower) they create work that is a marvel of timing, comedy and clowning, warming both the heart and soul. Behind the humour is startling movement skill and discipline, drawn from traditional culture and dance.

The style of dancing and comedic element of their performance has its origins in Yolngu culture as much as the traditional dance. Clowning within Yolngu Culture has been around longer that many of the traditional dances themselves. It is from this that Djuki Mala’s natural flare for comedy has emerged.

photo: courtesy Blue King Brown/Gurrumul

Touring History

photo: courtesy Blue King Brown/Gurrumul

Touring History

2019

  • National Indigenous Tennis Carnival, Darwin NT

  • NATSIA Awards, Darwin NT

  • Ernabella Anangu School Workshops, SA

  • Nai-Beguta Agama Aboriginal Corporation, New Mapoon QLD

  • Darwin Turf Club, NT

  • MACC Road Safety Campaign TVC, NT

  • Ernabella Anangu School Workshops, SA

  • Spiegeltent Geelong, VIC

  • Spiegeltent Newcastle, NSW

  • Ipswich Civic Centre, QLD

  • Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, QLD

  • Gympie Civic Centre, QLD

  • Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, QLD

  • Gladstone Entertainment & Convention Centre, QLD

  • Yeppoon Town Hall, QLD

  • Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, QLD

  • HOTA, Gold Coast, QLD

  • Spiegeltent Hobart, Hobart TAS

  • Spiegeltent Canberra, Canberra ACT

  • Adelaide Fringe Festival, Adelaide SA

  • Fringe World Festival, Perth WA

  • Showplace Performing Centre, Peterborough CAN

  • St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Toronto CAN

  • Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Oakville CAN

  • First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, Ontario CAN

  • Grand Theatre, Kingston CAN

2018

  • WA Circus Festival, Margaret River WA

  • One Day in Fremantle, WA

  • Fringe World Festival, Perth WA

  • Adelaide Fringe Festival, SA

  • Spiegeltent Hobart, TAS

  • Spiegeltent Wollongong, NSW

  • Palm Island Deadly Didge 'n' Dance Festival, Palm Island QLD

  • Tourism NT Donghai Airlines Inaugural Flight Celebrations, Shenzhen CHN

  • Port Adelaide Football Club Power Cup Celebrations, Adelaide SA

  • Edinburgh Fringe Festival, UK

2017

  • Closing Ceremony - China-Australia Year of Tourism, Guangzhou, CHINA

  • Hedland Arts Awards, Port Hedland, WA

  • Edinburgh Fringe Festival, UK

  • Map57, Melbourne VIC

  • Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns QLD

  • Sydney Opera House, Sydney NSW

  • Garrmalang Festival, Darwin NT

  • Country Club Show Room, Launceston TAS

  • Spiegeltent Hobart, Hobart TAS

  • Adelaide Fringe Festival, Adelaide SA

  • Fringe World Festival, Perth WA

2016

  • Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin NT

  • NIMAS, Darwin NT

  • Latsia Municipal Theatre, Cyprus CYP

  • Hangar 11, Tel Aviv ISR

  • Cairo Opera House, Cairo EGY

  • El Sawy Culture Wheel, Cairo EGY

  • Al Madina Theatre, Beirut LEB

  • Tanzsommer Festival, Innsbruck AUT

  • 4th Fort Pienc Performance Arts Fair, Barcelona ESP

  • Nuevo Teatro Alcalá, Madrid ESP

  • Sydney Festival, Sydney NSW

  • WOMADdelaide, SA

  • Brunswick Music Festival, VIC

2015

 

  • Adelaide Fringe, Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide SA

  • Desert Fringe Festival, Port Augusta & Leigh Creek SA

  • Spirit Festival, Adelaide SA

  • Adelaide Fringe Awards Night, Adelaide SA

  • Melbourne International Comedy Festival, VIC

  • Garrmalang Festival, Darwin NT

  • Territory Day, Darwin NT

  • NAIDOC Week, Darwin NT

  • Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs NT

  • Desert Harmony Festival, Tennant Creek NT

  • Lorne Festival of Performing Arts, VIC

  • WAA Conference, Vancouver CAN

  • Outback Festival, Winton QLD

  • Mullumbimby Circus Festival, NSW

  • Indigenous Economic Forum, Alice Springs

  • 30th Anniversary Handback Celebrations Uluru, Mutitjulu NT

2014
 

  • Cairns Civic Theatre, QLD

  • Townsville Civic Centre, QLD

  • Sarina Cultural Hall, QLD

  • Mackay Entertainment & Cultural Centre, QLD

  • Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, QLD

  • Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, QLD

  • Ipswich Civic Centre, QLD

  • Arts Centre Gold Coast, QLD

  • Byron Theatre, Byron Community Centre, NSW

  • Araluen Arts Centre, NT

  • Nyinkka Nyunyu Arts & Culture Centre, Tennant Creek, NT

  • Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre, Katerine, NT

  • Darwin Entertainment Centre, NT

  • Geelong Performing Arts Centre, VIC

  • Eastbank Riverlinks, Shepparton VIC

  • Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon VIC

  • Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat VIC

  • Hamilton Performing Arts Center, VIC

  • The Lighthouse Theater, Warrnambool VIC

  • Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre, VIC

  • Williamstown Town Hall, VIC

  • Drum Theatre, Dandenong VIC

  • Darwin Entertainment Centre – Out Games, NT

  • Orange Civic Centre, NSW

  • The Joan, Penrith NSW

  • Newcastle Civic Centre, NSW

  • Seymour Centre, Sydney NSW

  • Capitol Theatre, Tamworth NSW

  • Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre, NSW

  • Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong NSW

  • Nautilus Theatre, Port Lincoln SA

  • Middleback Theatre, Whyalla SA

  • Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga SA

  • Chaffey Theatre, Mt Gambier SA

  • Mildura Arts Centre, VIC

  • Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier SA

  • Barossa Arts and Convention Centre, Tanunda SA

  • Marion Cultural Centre, Oaklands SA

  • Northern Festival Centre, Port Pirie SA

2012

  • Darwin Festival NT

  • Festival of Pacific Arts, Solomon Islands

2011
 

  • Roebourne Healthy Lifestyle Festival, WA

  • Barunga Festival, NT

  • Martu Trust Western Desert Tour, WA

  • Glastonbury Festival, UK

  • European Tour

2010

 

  • Adelaide International Festival, SA

  • Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne VIC

  • Merripan Festival, Daly River NT

  • China & Taiwan Tour

2009

 

  • Bran Nue Dae, WA

  • Melbourne Museum, VIC

  • Sydney Festival First Night, NSW

  • Darling Harbour Festival, NSW

  • The Famous Spiegeltent, Melbourne VIC

  • Australasian World Music Expo, Melbourne VIC

  • Deadly Award Nomination
    [Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment]

2008
 

  • Dreaming Festival, Woodford QLD

  • Out of the Box Festival, Brisbane QLD

  • Alice Springs Convention Centre, NT

  • Greek Glenti Festival, Darwin NT

  • Raminggining Festival, Arnhem Land NT

  • Milingimbi Festival, Arnhem Land NT

  • Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, Melbourne VIC

2007

 

  • Raminggining Festival, Arnhem Land NT

  • Milingimbi Festival, Arnhem Land NT

  • Australia’s Got Talent

  • Art Gallery NSW

  • Sydney Opera House, NSW

  • Message Sticks Film Festival, Sydney NSW

Performers

Yalyalwuy Gondarra

 

Yalalwuy Gondarra spent his childhood years growing up on Elcho Island, North East Arnhem Land.  He also spent three years attending school in Sydney in 2008, 2009 and 2010.  He travels extensively throughout Australia performing with Djuki Mala dance group appearing at Festivals, corporate functions and high profile events. Yalyalwuy is a passionate dancer, and an accomplished actor. In the future he would like to pursue his dancing with Djuki Mala and also further his acting career with lead roles in both Australian films and Hollywood blockbusters.

Baykali Ganambarr

 

Baykali Ganambarr’s first 6 years were spent growing up on a small community outside of Alice Springs near Ti Tree called Six Miles. He then spent two years in Darwin and to this day resides on Elcho Island, North East Arnhem Land.  He also spent three years attending school in Sydney in 2008, 2009 and 2010.  He travels extensively throughout Australia performing with Djuki Mala dance group appearing at Festivals, corporate functions and high profile events. Baykali is a passionate dancer, athlete (football, basketball) and an accomplished actor. In the future he would like to pursue his dancing both with Djuki Mala and as a backup dancer with high profile musicians. He also plans to pursue his acting career and also become and AFL footballer. Baykali has just finished performing a lead role in Australian Feature Film ’The Nightingale’ due for release in June 2018. 

Watjarr Garmu

 

Watjarr Garmu spent his childhood years growing up on the remote Homeland of Rorrowuy, North East Arnhem Land. He travels extensively throughout Australia and the world performing with Djuki Mala appearing at Festivals, corporate functions and high profile events. Watjarr is a passionate dancer and musician in high demand playing Yidaki at cultural ceremonies across communities in Australia’s North. He hopes to continue to work with Djuki Mala.

Tibian Cristopher Wyles

 

Tibian Cristopher Wyles is a descendant from the Girramay & Kalkadoon tribes from North Queensland. In 2013 he completed his Advance Diploma at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts  (ACPA) in Brisbane, before going on to perform with Queensland Theatre Company's sold out production of 'Black Diggers' directed by Wesley Enoch. Other productions Tibian has appeared in are 'Country Song' that toured nationally throughout Australia, also directed by Wesley Enoch. The Circus Oz Production ‘Corked Up’ Directed by Joshua Bond & Derek Ives, AFC Final Draw at the Opera House, Opening of the Brisbane Festival, Clancestry, Byron Bay Blues Festival, Queensland Poetry Festival. ACPA productions: Oedipus the King, Romeo & Juliet, Spirit Of the Lore, CYRANO de Bergerac and The Robbers. Tibian is co founder of Excelsior Dance Company along with being a long time ambassador of DigiYouth Arts. 

Performers
Staff

Staff

Joshua Bond

Executive Producer/Director

 

Joshua Bond has been involved in the arts for over the 15 years, as a performer, director, producer & technician, with experience across circus, theatre, dance, film & television. 2014 Helpmann Nominee Joshua Bond is the Artistic Director, Executive Producer and a founding member of award winning and renowned Indigenous dance/theatre ensemble DJUKI MALA. Joshua directed and produced the critically acclaimed production Djuki Mala throughout 2014 and was a director of Ngurrumilmarr’miryu “Wrong Skin” alongside Nigel Jamieson & Gavin Robins that toured nationally through 2010/11. Joshua also held the position of Artistic Associate & Indigenous Programs Coordinator at Circus Oz from 2011-14. Other directing credits include, ‘Corked Up’ - Circus  Oz, The Ngarluma Festival (WA), It’s A Long Way from the North Pole (The Wiggles), Step Up (Pact Theatre, Sydney), NAISDA eoys (Sydney). As a circus performer, singer, actor & dancer Josh has worked with Lunar Circus 1999-2011, Circus Monoxide, Bizircus 1998, Circ Cric (Spain) ERTH Visual and Theatre Inc.,(Kuala Lumpur) VIPAS (The Famous Spiegeltent), Deadly Awards (Sydney Opera House), Blackrobats (Kuranda), Legs on the Wall (Sydney), Emma Donovan (Adelaide Festival), Gurrumul Yunupingu (Darwin Festival & Sydney Opera House), John Butler (Yindjibarndi Ngarluma Festival) Blue King Brown (Blues & Roots, Byron Bay) Rockwiz Tribute to the Bowl (Sydney Myer Music Bowl) and Wirad Journey (Vikki Van-Hout Contemporary Dance Company).  

 

Passionate about teaching and developing emerging indigenous performers, Josh has taught at NAISDA Dance College, Fruit Fly Circus, NICA, National Institute of Circus Arts, Flipside Circus and numerous other schools, community workshops and festival’s across Australia. Joshua is currently directing an exciting new production with Legs on the Wall ‘Man with the Iron Neck’, which will premiere at major Australian arts festivals in 2018.

Monique Harvey

Associate Producer

 

Monique Harvey has over 20 years experience in all areas of the arts and entertainment industry.  Monique was involved in music management with Buxton Walker during the company’s formative years from 1994 - 2000.  From 2000 onwards Monique worked with a wide range of Festivals including Melbourne International Festival, Edinburgh & Brighton Festivals (UK), Melbourne Film Festival, St Kilda Festival, St Kilda Film Festival, National Circus Festival, the Art Of Difference Festival, White Night Festival, Brighton (UK) and most recently as artistic director of Lorne Festival of Performing Arts 2011-2015. Monique has worked as an event producer, publicist, artist liaison representative, production manager and programmer.  Monique was employed as Associate Producer of Spiegeltent International both in Australia and overseas from 2001 – 2007 and as programmer at the Substation, Newport from 2012-2014. Since 2008 Monique has run her own business producing Australian and international artists as well as contract work in various capacities to productions, venues and Festivals both in Australia and in the UK. Previous artist roster includes; Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, Amanda Palmer, Christa Hughes, Joel Salom, The Republic of Trees, Tom Flanagan, The Gadflys, Company FZ (UK) and The Burlesque Hour. Monique has been employed as associate producer of Djuki Mala (2014 – present), and her current artist roster also includes; French-Irish chanteuse Camille O’Sullivan (2012-present) and UK punk/cabaret outfit The Tiger Lillies (2013 – present).

photo: courtesy Blue King Brown/Gurrumul

Press

Press

Media Quotes

★★★★ “Cheeky, fun and feel-good”. 

Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Their sheer joy is as infectious as it is delightful.”

The Advertiser

 ★★★★★ “There is no better offering at this year’s Perth Fringe World… an infectious celebration of different styles and cultures.”

The West Australian

★★★★★ “… a feel good show if ever there was one.” 

Perth Now

★★★★★ “Sensational” 

Out in Perth

★★★★★ “Djuki Mala is an Absolute Must See” 

The Australia Times

“The Djuki Mala style blends traditional dance with modern influences, in what seems like a reflection of life in Galiwin’ku Community. Just as mobile phones co-exist with Yolgnu languages, the joyful pop references in Djuki Mala are an embodiment of a living culture. Playful and warm, charming and informative, Djuki Mala is like a family-friendly diplomatic envoy, sharing hope and knowledge from north-east Arnhem Land.”

Sydney Morning Herald

“Djuki Mala present more to the audience than one could imagine possible”

Herald Sun

“A vibrant celebration of ingenuity and energy”

The Age

“Energetic, hilarious, groundbreaking”

Beat Magazine

“The Chooky Dancers threatened to upstage everything in sight”

Real Time

“They had a tale to tell about a journey that began way back before time. The story of when their culture, which more recently has seen the edges of extinction, existed whole and unharmed. In bare feet, loin cloth and ceremonial white paint, their language is movement. At times fierce and at times menacing, they float through space and time. They clearly respect their ancestors’ spirits and are moved by the stories that created them.”

Aussie Theatre

“… a marvel of timing, comedy and clowning,  warming both the heart and soul”

Arts Review

“Djuki Mala’s work is a magnificent cross-cultural marvel of fusion, incorporating traditional Indigenous dance mixed with pop culture and comedy”.

Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★★ “...striking, slick & funny” 

Edinburgh Evening News

★★★★ “...the Djuki Mala dancers know exactly how to entertain the crowd” 

The Scotsman

★★★★ “...energetic hour... infectious moves” 

The List

★★★★ “...flawless” 

Edinburgh Festival Magazine

★★★★ “...hugely entertaining” 

The Wee Review

Press Clippings

9 March 2016

ARTICLE

"10 acts to see at WOMADELAIDE"

The Guardian

By: Janine Israel

22 January 2016

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala Sydney"

Megaphone Oz

By: Kerrie Davis

22 January 2016

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala at Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent (Sydney Festival)"

FBI Radio

By: Nerida Ross

20 January 2016

ARTICLE

"Djuki Mala dancer draws inspiration from an unlikely source "

NITV / SBS

By: Malarndirri McCarthy

20 January 2016

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala Brings Their Energetic Blend Of Traditional And Contemporary Dance To Sydney Festival"

Broadway World

By: Jade Kops

September 2015

COVER ARTICLE

"Community the Star of the Lorne Arts Festival"

The Committe for Lorne newsletter

By: Peter Spring and Susannah Sprague

8 September 2015

ARTICLE

"Winston Prepares for Outback Celebration"

Queensland Country Life

27 August 2015

COVER PHOTO

"From Arnhem Land to Lorne"

Surf Coast Shire

By: Warwick Tucker

21 May 2015

ONLINE FESTIVAL PROMOTION

"Garmalang Festival"

ABC Melbourne

17 April 2015

REVIEW (3.5 STARS)

"YouTube Sensations the Chooky Dancers Fuse Traditional and Modern Music and Moves"

The Sydney Morning Herald

By: Jordan Beth Vincent

8 April 2015

ARTICLE

"Djuki Mala (chooky dancers) Give Back to Cyclone Hit Elcho Island Community"

105.7 Darwin ABC

10 March 2015

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala at Adelaide Fringe"

The Clothesline online publication

By: Jenna Bonavita

1 March 2014

FEATURE ARTICLE

"Happy Feet"

The Daily Telegraph - Weekend Arts

By: Victoria Hannaford

25 March 2010

REVIEW (5 STARS)

"Powerful Message"
Ngurrumilmarrmiriuy (Wrong Skin)

Sunday Herald Sun

By: Kate Rose

13 March 2010

REVIEW

"Fun and Homage"

The Advertiser - Adelaide Now - Festival Front Row

By: Louise Nunn

13 March 2010

FEATURE ARTICLE

"Stepping Stones"

The Age

By: Liza Power

January 2010

FEATURE ARTICLE

"Adelaide Rides New Wave of Arts"

The Australian - The Arts

By: Bryce Hallett and Michelle Griffin

January 2010

ARTICLE

"Chooky Dancers Star at Sydney Opera House"

Yarn Up - Australia Council for the Arts

2010

TOUR PROMOTION

Chinese publication

19 June 2009

FEATURE ARTICLE

"A Pause in the Parody as Dancers Mourn Founder"

Sydney Morning Herald - Arts and Entertainment

By: Joel Gibson

Press

Media Quotes

★★★★ “Cheeky, fun and feel-good”. 

Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Their sheer joy is as infectious as it is delightful.”

The Advertiser

 ★★★★★ “There is no better offering at this year’s Perth Fringe World… an infectious celebration of different styles and cultures.”

The West Australian

★★★★★ “… a feel good show if ever there was one.” 

Perth Now

★★★★★ “Sensational” 

Out in Perth

★★★★★ “Djuki Mala is an Absolute Must See” 

The Australia Times

“The Djuki Mala style blends traditional dance with modern influences, in what seems like a reflection of life in Galiwin’ku Community. Just as mobile phones co-exist with Yolgnu languages, the joyful pop references in Djuki Mala are an embodiment of a living culture. Playful and warm, charming and informative, Djuki Mala is like a family-friendly diplomatic envoy, sharing hope and knowledge from north-east Arnhem Land.”

Sydney Morning Herald

“Djuki Mala present more to the audience than one could imagine possible”

Herald Sun

“A vibrant celebration of ingenuity and energy”

The Age

“Energetic, hilarious, groundbreaking”

Beat Magazine

“The Chooky Dancers threatened to upstage everything in sight”

Real Time

“They had a tale to tell about a journey that began way back before time. The story of when their culture, which more recently has seen the edges of extinction, existed whole and unharmed. In bare feet, loin cloth and ceremonial white paint, their language is movement. At times fierce and at times menacing, they float through space and time. They clearly respect their ancestors’ spirits and are moved by the stories that created them.”

Aussie Theatre

“… a marvel of timing, comedy and clowning,  warming both the heart and soul”

Arts Review

“Djuki Mala’s work is a magnificent cross-cultural marvel of fusion, incorporating traditional Indigenous dance mixed with pop culture and comedy”.

Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★★ “...striking, slick & funny” 

Edinburgh Evening News

★★★★ “...the Djuki Mala dancers know exactly how to entertain the crowd” 

The Scotsman

★★★★ “...energetic hour... infectious moves” 

The List

★★★★ “...flawless” 

Edinburgh Festival Magazine

★★★★ “...hugely entertaining” 

The Wee Review

★★★★★ “Djuki Mala is an hour of infectious joy” 

Broadway Baby

Press Clippings

9 March 2016

ARTICLE

"10 acts to see at WOMADELAIDE"

The Guardian

By: Janine Israel

22 January 2016

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala Sydney"

Megaphone Oz

By: Kerrie Davis

22 January 2016

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala at Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent (Sydney Festival)"

FBI Radio

By: Nerida Ross

20 January 2016

ARTICLE

"Djuki Mala dancer draws inspiration from an unlikely source "

NITV / SBS

By: Malarndirri McCarthy

20 January 2016

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala Brings Their Energetic Blend Of Traditional And Contemporary Dance To Sydney Festival"

Broadway World

By: Jade Kops

September 2015

COVER ARTICLE

"Community the Star of the Lorne Arts Festival"

The Committe for Lorne newsletter

By: Peter Spring and Susannah Sprague

8 September 2015

ARTICLE

"Winston Prepares for Outback Celebration"

Queensland Country Life

27 August 2015

COVER PHOTO

"From Arnhem Land to Lorne"

Surf Coast Shire

By: Warwick Tucker

21 May 2015

ONLINE FESTIVAL PROMOTION

"Garmalang Festival"

ABC Melbourne

17 April 2015

REVIEW (3.5 STARS)

"YouTube Sensations the Chooky Dancers Fuse Traditional and Modern Music and Moves"

The Sydney Morning Herald

By: Jordan Beth Vincent

8 April 2015

ARTICLE

"Djuki Mala (chooky dancers) Give Back to Cyclone Hit Elcho Island Community"

105.7 Darwin ABC

10 March 2015

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala at Adelaide Fringe"

The Clothesline online publication

By: Jenna Bonavita

1 March 2014

FEATURE ARTICLE

"Happy Feet"

The Daily Telegraph - Weekend Arts

By: Victoria Hannaford

25 March 2010

REVIEW (5 STARS)

"Powerful Message"
Ngurrumilmarrmiriuy (Wrong Skin)

Sunday Herald Sun

By: Kate Rose

13 March 2010

REVIEW

"Fun and Homage"

The Advertiser - Adelaide Now - Festival Front Row

By: Louise Nunn

13 March 2010

FEATURE ARTICLE

"Stepping Stones"

The Age

By: Liza Power

January 2010

FEATURE ARTICLE

"Adelaide Rides New Wave of Arts"

The Australian - The Arts

By: Bryce Hallett and Michelle Griffin

January 2010

ARTICLE

"Chooky Dancers Star at Sydney Opera House"

Yarn Up - Australia Council for the Arts

2010

TOUR PROMOTION

Chinese publication

19 June 2009

FEATURE ARTICLE

"A Pause in the Parody as Dancers Mourn Founder"

Sydney Morning Herald - Arts and Entertainment

By: Joel Gibson

Press

Media Quotes

★★★★ “Cheeky, fun and feel-good”. 

Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Their sheer joy is as infectious as it is delightful.”

The Advertiser

 ★★★★★ “There is no better offering at this year’s Perth Fringe World… an infectious celebration of different styles and cultures.”

The West Australian

★★★★★ “… a feel good show if ever there was one.” 

Perth Now

★★★★★ “Sensational” 

Out in Perth

★★★★★ “Djuki Mala is an Absolute Must See” 

The Australia Times

“The Djuki Mala style blends traditional dance with modern influences, in what seems like a reflection of life in Galiwin’ku Community. Just as mobile phones co-exist with Yolgnu languages, the joyful pop references in Djuki Mala are an embodiment of a living culture. Playful and warm, charming and informative, Djuki Mala is like a family-friendly diplomatic envoy, sharing hope and knowledge from north-east Arnhem Land.”

Sydney Morning Herald

“Djuki Mala present more to the audience than one could imagine possible”

Herald Sun

“A vibrant celebration of ingenuity and energy”

The Age

“Energetic, hilarious, groundbreaking”

Beat Magazine

“The Chooky Dancers threatened to upstage everything in sight”

Real Time

“They had a tale to tell about a journey that began way back before time. The story of when their culture, which more recently has seen the edges of extinction, existed whole and unharmed. In bare feet, loin cloth and ceremonial white paint, their language is movement. At times fierce and at times menacing, they float through space and time. They clearly respect their ancestors’ spirits and are moved by the stories that created them.”

Aussie Theatre

“… a marvel of timing, comedy and clowning,  warming both the heart and soul”

Arts Review

“Djuki Mala’s work is a magnificent cross-cultural marvel of fusion, incorporating traditional Indigenous dance mixed with pop culture and comedy”.

Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★★ “...striking, slick & funny” 

Edinburgh Evening News

★★★★ “...the Djuki Mala dancers know exactly how to entertain the crowd” 

The Scotsman

★★★★ “...energetic hour... infectious moves” 

The List

★★★★ “...flawless” 

Edinburgh Festival Magazine

★★★★ “...hugely entertaining” 

The Wee Review

★★★★★ “Djuki Mala is an hour of infectious joy” 

Broadway Baby

★★★★★ “...joy enhancing, inspiring, enthralling, thrilling and utterly intoxicating” 

Upside News

Press Clippings

9 March 2016

ARTICLE

"10 acts to see at WOMADELAIDE"

The Guardian

By: Janine Israel

22 January 2016

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala Sydney"

Megaphone Oz

By: Kerrie Davis

22 January 2016

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala at Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent (Sydney Festival)"

FBI Radio

By: Nerida Ross

20 January 2016

ARTICLE

"Djuki Mala dancer draws inspiration from an unlikely source "

NITV / SBS

By: Malarndirri McCarthy

20 January 2016

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala Brings Their Energetic Blend Of Traditional And Contemporary Dance To Sydney Festival"

Broadway World

By: Jade Kops

September 2015

COVER ARTICLE

"Community the Star of the Lorne Arts Festival"

The Committe for Lorne newsletter

By: Peter Spring and Susannah Sprague

8 September 2015

ARTICLE

"Winston Prepares for Outback Celebration"

Queensland Country Life

27 August 2015

COVER PHOTO

"From Arnhem Land to Lorne"

Surf Coast Shire

By: Warwick Tucker

21 May 2015

ONLINE FESTIVAL PROMOTION

"Garmalang Festival"

ABC Melbourne

17 April 2015

REVIEW (3.5 STARS)

"YouTube Sensations the Chooky Dancers Fuse Traditional and Modern Music and Moves"

The Sydney Morning Herald

By: Jordan Beth Vincent

8 April 2015

ARTICLE

"Djuki Mala (chooky dancers) Give Back to Cyclone Hit Elcho Island Community"

105.7 Darwin ABC

10 March 2015

REVIEW

"Djuki Mala at Adelaide Fringe"

The Clothesline online publication

By: Jenna Bonavita

1 March 2014

FEATURE ARTICLE

"Happy Feet"

The Daily Telegraph - Weekend Arts

By: Victoria Hannaford

25 March 2010

REVIEW (5 STARS)

"Powerful Message"
Ngurrumilmarrmiriuy (Wrong Skin)

Sunday Herald Sun

By: Kate Rose

13 March 2010

REVIEW

"Fun and Homage"

The Advertiser - Adelaide Now - Festival Front Row

By: Louise Nunn

13 March 2010

FEATURE ARTICLE

"Stepping Stones"

The Age

By: Liza Power

January 2010

FEATURE ARTICLE

"Adelaide Rides New Wave of Arts"

The Australian - The Arts

By: Bryce Hallett and Michelle Griffin

January 2010

ARTICLE

"Chooky Dancers Star at Sydney Opera House"

Yarn Up - Australia Council for the Arts

2010

TOUR PROMOTION

Chinese publication

19 June 2009

FEATURE ARTICLE

"A Pause in the Parody as Dancers Mourn Founder"

Sydney Morning Herald - Arts and Entertainment

By: Joel Gibson

Acknowledgements

Djuki Mala would like to warmly thank the following people and organisations for their friendship and support of Djuki Mala:

We pay respect and proudly acknowledge our families around the country – the First Nations people of Australia.

 

A huge thank you to Frank Djirrimbilpilwuy Garawirrtja whom without none of this would have ever been possible.

 

Thanks to Galiwin’ku Community of Elcho Island. A very special thanks to Margaret Nyungunyungu, Rosalie Pearson, Nicky Ashby, Naina Sen for her cinematography and editing, Angela O'Donnell and the team at Artback NT, Bec Cooen, Nigel Jamieson, Gavin Robins and Basil Hogios.

 

Thanks to Janice Multhara Garawirrtja and of course all the previous members of Djuki Mala [Chooky Dancers] - Djapana Wunungmurra, Djamangi Gaykamangu, Lionel Dhulmanawuy Garawirrtja, Terry Nupurra, Guymangura Gaykamanga, Djimilkinya Garrawurra, Ganapunbun Guaauwiwi, Rang Garawirrtja, Darren (Matan) Dhamarrandji, Bapadjambang Atu, Danzel Baker, Gaditjirrimiwuy Dhamarrandji and Michael Smith.

 

For their interviews on video that appear in the show Djuki Mala, thanks to Janice Multhara Garawirrtja, Djapana Wunungmurra and Djamangi Gaykamangu.

 

Thank you to Blue King Brown and Gurrumul, Mic Gruchy and Scott Otto Anderson for footage used in Djuki Mala. Thank you to Djakapurra Munyarrun, Wilson Guluwu Ganambarr for Sound and the Datiwuy and Ngamil Clans for Traditional Dances and Songs used in Djuki Mala. Manuel Dhurrkay and Marcus Dhurrkay for Lungurrma used in Djuki Mala.

 

Thanks to all the venue techs and venues who have embraced our work. A huge thanks to our loyal and supportive audiences.

 

Thanks to Michael Jackson, other original lockers and Motown in general!

Acknowledgements

photo: courtesy Blue King Brown/Gurrumul

photo: courtesy Blue King Brown/Gurrumul

Contacts & Mailing List

Contacts & Mailing List

Please contact us with any enquiries via info@djukimala.com

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