Immersive cultural event Karla Yaanginy to light up Yagan Square this NAIDOC Week

Free immersive cultural event, Karla Yaanginy, is set to take over Goologoolup (Yagan Square) this Friday, July 12. This exclusive, one-night-only event, culminating NAIDOC Week celebrations, is set to ignite the heart of Perth with the stories, dance, and art of the local Noongar people, centred around their profound relationship with “karla” (fire).

Karla Yaanginy features a pyrotechnic and dance performance with local Noongar performers in collaboration with ZAP Circus, a shadow puppet performance orchestrated by Rickeeta Walley, and a compelling music, dance, and visual art storytelling performance by renowned Noongar performer Phil Walley Stack.

Presented by Karla Hart Productions, Karla Yaanginy, which translates to ‘sharing about the fire,’ is a display of Noongar storytelling that focuses on the meaning of karla—fire. The event provides an opportunity for everyone to engage with the Noongar community’s profound connection to one of the natural elements that are central to their culture and spiritual life.

“Karla (fire) to our people represents warmth, healing, safety, cooking and sharing food, and sharing stories and passing on oral history,” said Karla Yaanginy event producer and namesake, Karla Hart. “The phrase ‘Keep the Campfires Burning’ means many things, including to keep going on country and continuing traditions for today and our future generations, and to keep the fire with your spirit strong. We invite everyone to join us in this special gathering, to share, and to keep the spirit of our ancestors burning bright.”

The evening will conclude with a breathtaking smoking ceremony—a cultural practice imbued with meaning, promoting healing and unity.

Karla Yaanginy is a collaboration between DevelopmentWA and Karla Hart Productions, showcasing a shared dedication to fostering appreciation of Indigenous culture in Western Australia.

Karla Yaanginy takes over Yagan Square from 6-7pm on Friday, July 12 for NAIDOC Week 2024. For more info head to the Yagan Square website.