Education
We Invite You To Share With Us The Aboriginal Story
For 25 years, Yirra Yaakin has presented a vital and strong education program suitable for young people. We have created more than 20 original youth-focused productions, undertaking residencies and workshops across the state. We tour locally and regionally every year, providing unique cultural experiences to some of the most remote communities in the world.
With a focus on West Australian Cross-Curriculum priorities Yirra Yaakin is developing and expanding its education program to meet the needs of schools, families and the wider community.
“The Arts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures enrich understanding of the diversity of arts practices in Australia. Exploration of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures provides a rich opportunity to build a greater understanding of Australian history as well as fostering mutual understanding and respect between cultures”. (School Curriculum and Standards Authority, Government of Western Australia)”
With this in mind from 2013 we joined with our new Community Cultural partner, The Western Australian Museum, to grow and develop opportunities to present contemporary Aboriginal performing arts experiences.
At Yirra Yaakin teachers and AIEO’s are our partners in promoting the value of young people’s involvement in arts and culture. The company enjoys strong relationships with schools throughout Perth, and in regional and remote communities of WA.
Our productions and programs are about bringing educators and students opportunities designed to make students think, question their preconceptions and expand their knowledge of theatre as well as contemporary and traditional Aboriginal culture.
Our schools program is supported by quality comprehensive educational materials, and is designed to develop theatre/audience skills, social/personal attributes and to promote a uniquely Aboriginal cultural learning experience.
Our current program sees Yirra Yaakin offering a diverse range of presentations, including incursion/ excursion performances, one-off events, and specialised workshops (eg: see Culture 2.0 Workshop Program, Noongar Shakesperare Project). These are directly linked to the current Curriculum Framework, with a range of offerings suitable for students of all ages
To find out more please contact our Education Officer at education@yirrayaakin.com.au
Download the 2018 Education Brochure
Performances
Kaarla Kaatijin
Written by Zac James
Directed by Ian Wilkes
Year Level K – 6
Venue School Incursion
Dates Metro Tour 11 – 29 June
Dates Metro Tour 16 July – 3 August
Extended Metro Tour – 6 – 24 August
Regional Tour 21 May – 8 June
Learning Areas
Arts / English / HASS
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
Histories & Cultures / Sustainability
Education Kit Included
Skylab
Written by Melodie Reynolds-Diarra
Directed by Kyle J Morrison
Year Level 7 – 12
Venue State Theatre WA
Dates 16 August – 2 September
Learning Areas
Arts / English / HASS
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
Histories & Cultures / Sustainability
Education Kit Included
Workshops
Culture 2.0 Respect Yourself, Respect Your Culture
Year Level 1 – 12
Venue School Incursion
Dates Metro Tour
T1: 6 – 23 March
T3: 2 – 21 September
T4: 5 – 23 November
Dates Gascoine Tour
T4: 15 – 26 October
Sonnets In Noongar Workshop
Year Level 9 – 12
Venue School Incursion
Dates Metro Tour
T3: 2 – 21 September
Junior Sonneteers Program
* Subject to funding
Year Level 9 – 12
Venue Subiaco Arts Centre
In 2018 (subject to funding) The Sonnets in Noongar workshops will be used as a gateway to allow students an opportunity to become a part of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, through the Junior Sonneteers Program. Students who participate in the Sonnets in Noongar workshops, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, will be invited to audition for a spot as a Junior Sonneteer.
More InfoTouring
Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company strives to deliver a diverse and high quality education program of performances and activities that promote respect, pride and cultural strength to all students across Western Australia. We believe cultural empowerment is the basis of a healthy, sustainable community and provides the building blocks on which other key messages can be delivered to the community. Thanks to generous donors we were able to offer subsidised workshops to a limited number of metro and regional students in 2017 including:
Education Kits and Resources
Yirra Yaakin’s Education Kits are developed by Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s Education Officer in consultation with Noongar Elders, local community and educators within Western Australia. They are available free, as an additional resource, to teachers/lecturers who make a group student booking to the performance.
The Education Kits are a useful reference for teachers, lecturers and students and contain social, cultural and historical details, production information such as interviews with members of the creative team and a variety of activities linked with learning areas and outcomes from the West Australian Curriculum Framework.
Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company Education Kits are available to purchase for $30.00 (incl GST) each after the production run has closed.
To purchase these Kits or for more information please contact Jess Gatt – Education Officer
education@yirrayaakin.com.au | (08) 9380 3049
Everything you need to know to help prepare for your school visit to Yirra Yaakin’s performances.
Getting to Subiaco Arts Centre
Risk Assessment Guidance for Schools
Kits Currently available to purchase…
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Development Partner -
Noongar Sonnets Project Partner -
Education and Commmunity Engagement Partner -
Community Cultural Partner -
Company Partner -
Digital Education Partner -
Support Partner
Support Us!
We rely on you, our community, for our future creative and cultural programs. Your donations, encouragement and friendship provide vital support for the ongoing development of our artists and our work. Help us share Aboriginal stories as a Koordah or donor today!
