Student production to highlight importance of cultural learning

Margaret River Primary School students will bring Wooditjup Bilya’s Dreaming creation story to life this August, sharing sacred cultural knowledge entrusted to them by Wadandi Elder Nan Vivian Brockman-Webb.

The production, which blends traditional and contemporary dance, movement, music, and storytelling, celebrates NAIDOC’s 50th anniversary and its 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”

“This special local Dreaming story has been entrusted to us by the Matriarchal Traditional Owner, the eldest and Elder of the Webb family, Nan Vivian Brockman-Webb and her daughter Mitchella Hutchins,” a school spokesperson shared.

“It’s our way of honouring the ancestral knowledge of the Wadandi people.”

Since early 2025, students from Years 1 to 6 have immersed themselves in a creative and cultural journey.

Through in-school and after-school workshops, they have participated in Dordenup language lessons while developing movement pieces, acting skills, costumes, set designs, and puppetry for the performance.

Local creatives Cara Ratajczak, Michelle Bretherton from Weaving Stories of Boodja, and choreographer Dale Kelly have guided 42 young performers through this unique collaborative process.

Their work builds meaningful connections between students, culture, and Country.

“This production celebrates the achievements of the past while empowering our next generation through Dordenup language and cultural knowledge.

“We’re looking towards a bright future shaped by educated young leaders, empowered communities, and the legacy of ancestral knowledge.”

Three performances will be staged at Margaret River HEART on August 21 & 22. For tickets and info, visit www.artsmargaretriver.com