FIRST LIGHTS acknowledges the Whadjuk Nyoongar People whose land we live and make on. We acknowledge elders past, present and emerging for their part in the continuation of culture and care for country. We are grateful for their passing of knowledge so we can move through country with awareness and form collaborations that are ethical and rightful.

First Lights – Balarr Inyiny

19-21 Aug 2022 Jervois Park, Darwin

Date and Time

19-21 Aug 2022

Entry

FREE

Accessibility

Following on from the Australian premiere of First Lights with Moombaki in Western Australia, the Fremantle Biennale’s choreographed drone light show journeyed to Darwin, transforming the night sky in an epic spectacle of light, movement and sound.

Co-presented with Darwin Festival in 2022, and led by Larrakia artist Jenna Lee in collaboration with local music producer Kuya James and composer Lena Kellie, and supported by elders from the Larrakia community, this new experience titled balarr inyiny (bah-lahrr een-yeen-y), meaning ‘light dreaming’, saw 160 drones take flight from Jervois Park in a breathtaking choreographed sky show illustrating Larrakia songlines that run down Darwin’s coastline.

Balarr inyiny used new technologies to bring to life ancient stories, transforming the way we understand Larrakia culture and our shared relationship to country.

Artist: Jenna Lee in collaboration with elders from the Larrakia community
Sound Design: Kuya James
Compositions by Lena Kellie, Narrated by Christopher Lee and Lena Kellie
Animation: Jarrad Russell
Script Editor: Jennifer Kornberger
Technical Partner: Stellar Lights

Presented by the Fremantle Biennale and Darwin Festival.

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Jenna Lee in collaboration with elders from the Larrakia community, balaar inyiny, 2022, Darwin. Courtesy the Fremantle Biennale and Darwin Festival. Photo: Duncan Wright.