Feature image for 'Plant a Promise', which will feature at The Studio Theatre at Bangarra (The Thirsty Mile) during Sydney Festival 2025 (image courtesy Sydney Festival)
Sydney Festival has just launched its First Nations / Blak Out program. Curated by Sydney Festival’s Creative Artist in Residence, Jacob Nash, the First Nations-led Blak Out program introduces a new gathering space and expanded festival footprint with three weekends of conversation and events that celebrate the coming together of people, country, spirit and truths.
Over three weeks in January, a new gathering space at Barangaroo Reserve will be home to much of the free and community Blak Out program. Below the woven canopy produced by Cave Urban in collaboration with First Nations fibre artists, Vigil: Gunyah will host conversations curated by ABC Radio National’s Rudi Bremer as well as a series of workshops and performances led by local artists and thinkers. Throughout the program, a soundscape from composer and sound designer Brendon Boney will fill the space – encouraging passersby to sit, listen and reflect on their own contributions to a First Nations-led future.
Following this reflection, Vigil: Truths will emerge on 25 January at Barangaroo Reserve. This year’s ceremony focuses on being heard, sharing knowledge and presenting First Nations visions of what’s to come. At its core is the act of listening – listening to the many voices that will resonate across the land and waters this January and beyond.
Other programs include:
- Plant a Promise, a multi-format work which weaves together Indigenous knowledge and environmental science to share the importance of caring for Country.
- Radical Son, a performance by Kamilaroi and Tongan artist exploring themes of cultural connection, heritage and belonging.
- Redfern Renaissance, a series of workshops, discussion panels and performances celebrating the history of National Black Theatre, curated by Wiradjuri Yuin actor and Redfern resident, Angeline Penrith.
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