Yirra Yaakin

Yirra Yaakin [Yir-raarh Yaarh-kin] means “Stand Tall” in Noongar. Based in the heart of the Noongar Nation–a distinct Aboriginal cultural group from the south-west of Western Australia–Yirra Yaakin is Australia’s biggest Aboriginal-led theatre company.

…Yirra Yaakin is my favourite theatre company anywhere.

John Kinsella, The Australian

Man blowing gold-like dust from his hands

Caption: Kyle blowing dreams
Credit: Yirra Yaakin

Established in 1993, the Year of Indigenous People, Yirra Yaakin started with one successful funding application, three staff members, and the desire to provide the Aboriginal community with an artistic outlet for positive self-determination.

Since then Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company has evolved into a respected cultural leader and artistic hub for Aboriginal people from all over WA, Australia, and around the world.

Yirra Yaakin produces award-winning, world-class theatre, sharing Aboriginal stories through exciting, entertaining, educational, and authentic new works.

The company has commissioned and premiered more than 50 new major Festival presentations like Waltzing the Wilarra, One day in 67Aliwah, Windmill Baby, andCruel Wild Woman. They have worked with and nurtured prestigious Aboriginal writers including David Milroy, Sally Morgan, Derek Nannup, Mitch Torres and Dallas Winmar, among many others.

Yirra Yaakin’s priority is to ensure Aboriginal theatre remains under Aboriginal control and provides opportunities for Aboriginal artists at all levels of theatre creation and production. Their education and community engagement programs support Indigenous trainees to be mentored, develop skills, and work in the Australian theatre sector.

Partnership with the WA Museum

The Museum and Yirra Yaakin launching a partnership

Caption: The launch of Yirra Yaakin and the WA Museum's partnership
Credit: Yirra Yaakin

On 23 November 2012, the Honourable John Day MLA, Minister for Culture and the Arts, announced the creative cultural partnership between the Western Australian Museum and Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company.

This partnership represents a significant collaboration between two organisations that share a common goal; to recognise Aboriginal people as Australia’s first people and to honour and celebrate their heritage, culture and creativity.

Honourable John Day MLA, Minister for Culture and the Arts

Some Accolades

Three actors posing for the camera

Caption: Cast members form Kaarla Kaatijin
Credit: Yirra Yaakin 

Yirra Yaakin's work has been recognised with awards for theatre, governance and our partnerships, including a prestigious Sidney Myer Award for our record of facilitating Indigenous artistic programs.

  • Skylab – First co-production with Black Swan State Theatre Company in 2018
  • King Hit – 2015 Best Production / Performing Arts WA Awards
  • The GIANTS – 2015 Perth International Arts Festival, Creative Direction Indigenous Component
  • IlaruA Celebration – 2014 Western Australian Museum 21st Birthday Exhibition, Event and Publication
  • 2013 Creative Partnerships Australia Awards – Woodside Better Business Award, State and National Winners
  • Kyle J Morrison, Artistic Director – 2013 NAIDOC Perth Award, Outstanding Achievement
  • First Aboriginal company to translate and perform Shakespeare sonnets in an Aboriginal language (Noongar). Performed at Globe Theatre, London for 2012 UK Cultural Olympiad
  • First Aboriginal company to produce major musical theatre production,Waltzing the Wilarra by David Milroya world premiere at the 2011 Perth International Arts Festival
  • Finalist for three Helpmann Awards, including Best Original Score
  • Winner of three WA Equity Guild Awards, including Best New Play, and finalist in nine
  • Finalist in the Premier’s Literary Awards
  • First ever “living” Community Cultural Partnership in Australia with the Western Australian Museum
  • Premiere production of Honey Spot by Jack Davis in 2012 at Sydney Opera House
  • Presentation of Good Lovin’ by David Milroy, an important community work promoting positive sexual health messages, free to communities state wide from 2009 to 2012

What's On

Visit the Yirra Yaakin website to see what shows are currently playing.