In the endless, icy winter of the Nyitting, birds such as Kaka (Kookaburra) and Kulbardi (Magpie) are desperate for warmth. Wise and strong birds and animals make a plan, but it is the cunning little Djitty Djitty (Willy Wagtail) who finally brings back the kaarla (fire) from the selfish Meeka (Moon).
Performed predominantly in English, this production by the Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company at the Western Australian Museum seamlessly used a combination of English, Nyoongar and Nyoongar-English to present the story. Kaarla Kaatijin means ‘to understand fire’ and by using a combination of time-honoured oral narrative delivery, dance moves, live music and Hi-5 like enthusiasm and engagement with child audience members, this production surely succeeded. Children were rapt in the story from where they sat on the mat next to the performers, and called out in answer to questions or to make their opinions known.
Amy Smith, Shakara Walley and Ian Wilkes moved between the various roles, using minimal costume changes with impressive physical control to clearly distinguish between their characters. Walley’s earnestly comical facial expressions were delightful in conveying the efforts of her animals as they unsuccessfully strived to get warm. Smith’s mocking kookaburra impressions were popular, as were her stints of flute playing. Wilkes incorporated traditional dance moves and poses into his characters, grabbing attention with his sharp, structured movements. All three were wonderful in their unselfconscious inhabiting of their bird and animal characters, genuinely connecting with the children in the room.
The live singing and music was all performed to a high standard, with song routines fitting in smoothly with the storyline. The technical desk had a constant need to attend to events, with a rich recorded soundtrack accompanying every twist and turn in the story. The minimal lighting and stage design reflected the development of this piece as a performance for schools and groups in a variety of locations, but the stylised geometric patterns of the stage set worked well and allowed young imaginations to see a kangaroo leaping for the moon with an eagle on her back – with no CGI needed.
Zac James has written a compelling script, ably brought to life through Kyle J Morrison’s direction, which entertains as much as it educates and subtly bridges cultural gaps between Nyoongar and settler Australians.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company and The Western Australian Museum present
Kaarla Kaatijin
Writer: Zac James
Director: Kyle J Morrison
Set & Costume Design: Matthew McVeigh
Sound Design: Joe Lui
Stage Manager: Rebecca Garlett
Performed by Amy Smith, Shakara Walley and Ian Wilkes
The Western Australian Museum, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge
22 April – 3 May
