Regal Theatre • 27 February – 1 March • Thursday – Saturday • 7.30pm
As part of Perth Festival 2025, Ilbijerri Theatre Company presents Big Name, No Blankets by Andrea James with Anyupa Butcher and Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher.
Travel from the heart of the central desert to the bright lights of the big smoke in an epic rock ‘n’ roll theatre show. Before King Stingray, before the mighty Yothu Yindi, there was Warumpi Band. The band that took Aboriginal culture to the world.
MORE INFORMATION
Crank up the amps and plug into the heart of Papunya (Warumpi).
Big Name, No Blankets celebrates the phenomenal journey and impact of Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher and his brothers, the founding members of this iconic Australian band. Making history as the first rock ’n’ roll band to sing in Aboriginal languages, they took anthems including ‘Blackfella/Whitefella’, ‘My Island Home’ and ‘Jailanguru Pakarnu’ from Central Australia to wild nights in the pub rock scene. They toured the world, bringing their potent politics and prolific guitar riffs to a global audience. Stomp your feet, clap your hands and get swept away by a show that truly rocks.
Packed with rockstar performances, iconic songs and plenty of humour, Big Name, No Blankets is a big-hearted story for the whole family that shows music can make change.
CREDITS
Story and Cultural Consultant Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher (founding member of Warumpi Band)
Writer Andrea James
Co-Directors Dr Rachael Maza AM & Anyupa Butcher
Story Consultant Anyupa Butcher
Music Director Gary Watling
Cinematographer & Sound Designer James Henry
Sound Arrangements and Composition Crystal Butcher
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
Images James Henry
Supported by the City of Subiaco.
DIVE DEEPER
Join us after the show on Friday 28 Feb for a Q&A session. Hear directly from the artists and creators of the work.
NOTES
- Performed in English, Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha).
- Contains images, representations and the names of Aboriginal people who have passed away.
