Ngarnga Djilbruk
Respectful Learning through Contemporary Indigenous Theatre
Ngarnga Djilbruk (respectful learning) invites students into a powerful creative journey that culminates in performing their own work onstage at Bunjil Place - a rare chance to share learning with peers in a world-class venue and work alongside practising artists who bring cultural insight and creative excellence.
Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, the program supports students to explore how Drama—including work created and performed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples—celebrates and challenges diverse perspectives of Australian identity. Using contemporary Indigenous theatre as a key stimulus, students collaborate to explore, develop, create and present contemporary Australian theatre that reflects multiple viewpoints.
Teachers are supported every step of the way through clear guidance, rich resources, and a structure that makes delivering this curriculum area both achievable and deeply rewarding.
Ngarnga Djilbruk empowers teachers to offer dynamic, culturally grounded learning experiences that spark curiosity, build understanding, and stay with students long after the curtain falls.
Play Audio Language Name: Ngarnga Djilbruk Respectful Learning
Ngarnga Djilbruk applications now open for 2027
How to apply
Registrations are now open for Term 3 2027.
Please complete this online form to secure your spot Ngarnga Djilbruk – Fill out form
Who this is for
Year 9 and 10 Drama students
What students will do
Explore contemporary Indigenous theatre as a stimulus for inquiry and respectful learning
Evaluate how drama and theatre celebrate and challenge perspectives of Australian identity
Collaborate to devise an original performance work and refine it through rehearsal
Participate in a technical rehearsal and perform onstage at Bunjil Place
Gain insight into professional theatre-making through a behind-the-scenes experience (production team + back-of-house tour)
On performance day, learn about local Aboriginal culture and Boonwurrung language from Traditional Custodian Jaeden Williams
What teachers can expect
A clear, curriculum-aligned structure: explore → develop → create → present
Introductory teacher session to support planning, curriculum alignment and assessment pathways
3 in-school mentorship workshops with First Nations artists (dates to be aligned with schools’ normal timetables)
Resources and guidance designed for busy teachers, supporting confident delivery and meaningful reflection
Program inclusions
1 x teacher introduction session
3 x in-school mentorship workshops with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous artists
Technical rehearsal + performance day at Bunjil Place
Behind-the-scenes venue access: production team + back-of-house tour
Curriculum links (Victorian Curriculum 2.0)
How drama including work created and/or performed by First Nations, celebrates and challenges multiple perspectives of Australian identity, VC2ADR10E02
Creating drama and producing theatre for audiences using narrative and non-narrative forms, elements of drama and style-specific conventions to communicate ideas, meaning and intention, VC2ADR10C01
How to reflect on, analyse, evaluate and document their own and others’ drama work to inform choices and interpretations made both as artists and as audiences, VC2ADR10D0
How to plan, rehearse, refine, present and perform improvised, devised and scripted drama in different contexts to a range of audiences in a range of spaces, VC2ADR10P01
Bunjil Place Performance Day
9.30 am Schools Arrival
9.30 am - 10.00 am Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony
10.00 am – 12.00 pm Performance Rehearsals and Workshop
12.00 pm – 12.30 pm Lunch
12.30 pm - 2.30 pm Performances
2:30 pm - 3.00 pm Reflections
3:00 pm Student Dismissal
Forms
Requirements for Ngarnga Djilbruk Performance Day | Bunjil Place
Ngarnga Djilbruk Performance Day Timetable FINAL.pdf
Ngarnga Djilbruk Performance Technical Runsheet | Bunjil Place
Black Box Studio site map
Photograph and Filming Consent Form.docx
Performance Day Workshop
Liyan Dance Workshop
Facilitated by Suri (Nyikina and Mangala)
Join Suri, a proud Nyikina and Mangala dancer and cultural practitioner, for an engaging and interactive dance workshop that explores movement, storytelling, connection, and wellbeing through the concept of Liyan.
In Kimberley Aboriginal cultures, Liyan refers to a person's inner spirit, intuition, emotional wellbeing, and sense of connection to people, Country, and community. Through contemporary and traditional-inspired movement activities, participants will be encouraged to explore self-expression, cultural identity, and the importance of listening to their feelings and connecting with others.
During the workshop, Suri will share cultural insights and guide participants through a series of movement exercises, creative dance activities, and storytelling experiences that celebrate Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing. Participants will learn how dance can be used as a powerful tool for communication, cultural expression, confidence building, and social connection.
Eligibility
This program is offered to local government schools. A small number of non-government schools can apply.
Subsidies
Subsidies may be available for relief teachers and bus travel.
Bunjil Place Bus Subsidy Application Form.docx
Bunjil Place Bus Subsidy Terms and Conditions.pdf
Partners and Acknowledgement
