This beloved First Nations event is back for its fifth iteration, with the 2025 program – the festival's most ambitious to date – exploring the powerful anchors of legacy, joy, reclamation and akin.
'Yirramboi', which translates to 'tomorrow' in the local languages of the Boonwurrung and Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations, will take over Melbourne (Naarm) from May 1-11.
This main hive of activity for this year’s festival will centre around the Uncle Jack Charles event space – named after the late Aboriginal actor, activist and great arts Elder. Located in the Malthouse Theatre and Chunky Move, the space will be transformed by installations and performances, including five world premieres and two international works.
The festival platforms expressions of culture, identity, unity and truth – and encourages the breaking away from preconceived ideas of First Nations 'art' via experimental practices.
Some of the program highlights include Holding Space, a deeply moving exhibition that invites audiences to reflect on resilience and the enduring ties that bind people to place; The Black Woman of Gippsland, a thrilling theatrical exploration of Victoria's dark past; and banj ba walert: water and possum, a world premiere led by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Vicki Nicholson-Brown and Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum-Wurrung woman Stacie Piper that reawakens and renews the cultural practice of possum skin drumming.
And don't miss the bottomless drag brunch at Mabu Mabu or Chunky Move's dance classes – all taught by First Nations contemporary dance teachers.
For the full festival program and to purchase tickets, visit the Yirramboi website here.
