Kindred People, a powerful new Indigenous-led festival which weaves together global First Nations arts, culture and knowledge is set to be held on Boonwurrung Country this September.
Running from September 1 to 5, Kindred People will see ancient wisdom meet future worlds at Monash University's campuses as they are transformed into spaces of ceremony, creativity and connection.
Curated by Gunditjmara man Tom Molyneux and supported by an Indigenous Steering Committee, the festival brings together artists, Elders, knowledge holders and communities to share traditions, champion creative expression and imagine new futures.
The program encompasses performances, talks, workshops and gatherings that foreground First Nations perspectives and cultural exchange.
At its centre is kummargi yulendj gadhaba, a dedicated two-day speakers program focused on dialogue and collective thinking.
Meaning "knowledge rising up together" in Boonwurrung language, it creates space for First Nations voices to connect through conversation, reflection and exchange.
The performance program will feature two major world premieres from leading First Nations artists: The Scarecrow and Waa by Narrm-based Na Djinang Circus, a First Nations Circus company, creating bold work that is centred around the stories, ideas and opinions of young First Nations people, and Decolonising the Bells, a new experimental sound experience by Noongar composer and viola player Aaron Wyatt in collaboration with Speak Percussion that reimagines Victoria's 'Federation Handbells'.
Two Blood 雙血, an interdisciplinary and intercultural work from Australian Dance Theatre, created by award-winning writer S. Shakthidharan, and co-choreographers Daniel Riley (Wiradjuri) and Jasmin Sheppard (Tagalaka), will also hold its Victorian premiere at Kindred People.
Kindred People will also welcome exceptional international performances including He Huia Kaimanawa, Bianca Hyslop and Rowan Pierce's highly acclaimed performance experience which responds to the resurfacing, reclaiming and honoring of Māori language.
The work's scale, intense choreography and striking visuals are sure to impress local audiences in its Australian premiere.
Fresh from a barnstorming Canadian tour as well as a sold-out season at the Sydney Opera House in 2025, UPU will be performed in a Narrm/Melbourne premiere featuring the poetic works of Pasifika writers in a unique theatrical spectacle.
Guiding the festival with cultural authority and deep care is Professor N'arwee't Carolyn Briggs AM, senior Boonwurrung Elder and member of the Kindred People Steering Committee.
Aunty Carolyn has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing Boonwurrung language, knowledge and heritage. Through decades of teaching, advocacy and cultural leadership, she has ensured her people, the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boonwurrung, are recognised and celebrated as original custodians of this land.
Kindred People will present a dynamic program of knowledge, performances and ceremonies across the festival period. Program highlights includes a two-day gathering of First Nations thinkers, cerimonial gatherings and much more.
The festival will conclude with a free, live concert inside Robert Blackwood Hall, headlined by iconic duo Electric Fields.
Additional ticketed performances will be presented throughout the day, inviting audiences to spend an exciting and culturally enriching day at Monash's Clayton campus.
For more fashion, arts, culture and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
