Big Name, No Blankets

Big Name, No Blankets description

Big Name, No Blankets celebrates the phenomenal journey and impact of Australian music icons Warumpi Band in an epic rock musical. Known for their anthems Blackfella/Whitefella, My Island Home and Jailanguru Pakarnu, this extraordinary story is inspired by Warumpi Band’s rise to the top through their politics, presence and potent rock ‘n’ roll riffs. 

Founding band member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher (deftly played by Baykali Ganambarr) is our charismatic narrator of an adventure which weaves intimate storytelling with the band’s unforgettable song-list of ‘80s hits. Discover how Sammy (lead guitar) and his two younger brothers, Gordon (drummer) and Brian (bass), went from jamming on a flour drum in Papunya in the 1970s to wild nights of pub rock and touring the world.  

The first rock band to sing in Aboriginal languages, Warumpi Band greatly influenced the likes of music greats Yothu Yindi and Coloured Stone.  

True to their roots, the show weaves in culture from Central Australia and Northeast Arnhem Land and two ancestral languages – Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha) – as the band navigates the divides between bush and city, white and black, fame and family.  

You’re invited into the world of these Central Desert legends. Stomp your feet, clap your hands and get swept away by this big-hearted, joyous story. 

★★★★★ Has the audience screaming and stomping joyfully

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Credits

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Writer Andrea James
Story and Cultural Consultant Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher (a founding member of Warumpi Band)
Co-Directors Dr Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher
Music Director Gary Watling
Cinematographer & Sound Designer James Henry
Sound Arrangements and Composition Crystal Butcher
Sound Arrangements and Composition Mentor David Bridie
Set Designer Emily Barrie
Lighting Designer Jenny Hector
Costume Designer Heidi Brooks
Video Content Designer Sean Bacon
Animation Patricia McKean and Guck
Producers Nina Bonacci & Alexandra Paige
Theatre Consultant Sarah Goodes
Dramaturg Amy Sole
Warumpi Family Consulting Suzina McDonald & Marion Burarrwanga

 

Images James Henry

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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.

The Adelaide Festival presentation of Big Name, No Blankets has been made possible by Commissioning Program donors.

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