Big Name, No Blankets

From the desert to big cities, a rock music legacy.

An epic new rock'n'roll theatre show celebrating the legacy and impact of Australian music icons, Warumpi Band, told from the perspective of founding members, the Butcher Brothers. From Papunya (a small town in the Northern Territory) to global stages, they sent Aboriginal culture worldwide in the 80s and 90s. With Blak anthems like Jailanguru Pakurnu, My Island Home and Blackfella/Whitefella, Warumpi Band amplified black voices and stories while unifying listeners through the power of rock’n’roll.

Big Name, No Blankets tells the Warumpi Band story and features its hits, also showcasing Luritja, Warlpiri and Gumatj/Yolngu Matha languages, and culture from Central Australia and North East Arnhem Land. Created in collaboration with founding band member Sammy Butcher and the families of Warumpi Band members, this epic new work is co-directed by theatre icon Dr Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher.

Packed with humour, iconic songs and rockstar performances, this is a joyful show about how music can influence massive change. Like Warumpi Band itself, Big Name, No Blankets is a story of hope – hope for an Australia in which white and black can come together as one.

Auslan Performance on Sunday 14 January at 11:30am

Visit the Sydney Festival website for all the details.