Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company

19/06/2026

Looking for ways to keep the kids engaged these school holidays? We've got a fantastic line-up of workshops, camps and family-friendly events for all interests and ages.

🎨 Creative Storytelling with Jane Dorchies
🧚 Fairytale Craft Camp with Solstice Fibre
🌿 Nature Makers with Solstice Fibre
🤖 Robotics & Coding with Curtin University
👩‍🍳 NOM! Youth in the Kitchen
⛏️ Mind Buzz Minecraft Camp
⭐ Djinda Kaatijin Performance by Yirra Yaakin

From coding robots and building in Minecraft to cooking, crafting and storytelling, there's something for every young explorer.

📅 Places are limited, so book early to avoid missing out!

📲 Scan the QR code or visit our website to view all sessions and secure your spot.

18/06/2026

❤️ Help continue the Impact

Kaya from the rehearsal room of At What Cost?

Yirra Yaakin is reaching more people, sharing more stories, and creating more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists than ever before. We are proud of our achievements:

🎭 3 Mainstage Productions
Presented annually at our home venue in Subiaco.
🚌 More Touring Than Ever
Taking powerful Aboriginal stories to communities across WA, including some of the most remote locations.
👧🏾 19,000+ Young People Reached
Our Education productions engaged more than 19,000 primary school students last year.
🌏 Global Reach
Students in South Korea, Singapore, China and Malaysia experienced Yirra Yaakin's work through our digital programs.
✍🏾 More Blak Stories Being Developed
Supporting and nurturing a growing number of new works by Aboriginal writers and storytellers.

❤️ This EOFY please consider supporting Yirra Yaakin, with a tax deductible donation by clicking the link below.
https://yirrayaakin.com.au/support-us/

16/06/2026

First Day of Rehearsals 🎭
We’ve officially begun rehearsals this week for our second production of the year, At What Cost?

Written by award‑winning Tasmanian playwright Nathan Maynard (37, The Season), the work powerfully and authentically represents Palawa voices and contemporary Aboriginal stories.

We’re thrilled to welcome an incredible cast: Calen Tassone (Conversations with the Dead), Martu/Menang, as Boyd; Jessie Ward (Brother’s Wreck), Ballardong/Yuet, as Boyd’s pregnant wife Nala; Jarrad Inman (Thirst) Menang, as Boyd’s cousin Daniel; and making her professional theatre debut, WAAPA graduate Aimee Honor as PhD student Gracie. Direction by Maitland Schnaars (Nyaki‑Nyaki), Set & Costume Design Matt McVeigh, Lighting Design Matthew Erren, Sound Designer Dazastah, Stage Manager Kira Keeney (Palawa) and Assistant Stage Manager Rae Anderson.

At What Cost is a gripping, thought-provoking drama that confronts the true price of justice. Raw, urgent, and deeply human.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “In a word. Explosive.” Suzy Goes See
📍 17 July – 1 August
📍 Subiaco Arts Centre
🎟️ https://shorturl.at/kujB9

12/06/2026

🎭 Creative development is thriving at Yirra Yaakin!

It’s been a special few weeks as exciting new projects continue to take shape. We were honoured to welcome Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans and Associate Artist Jess Tovey into the rehearsal room alongside Maitland Schnaars and Kyle Morrison.🎭

Meanwhile, the sounds of frogs have been echoing through our spaces as part of the development of our new education program, Donkalonk, created by Zac James and Bobbi Henry, based on an original script by Dr Lynette Narkle. 🐸

We’re excited to continue nurturing these works and can’t wait to share them with audiences in the future.

08/06/2026

FLASHBACK👈
Back in 2022, contemporary Palawa playwright Nathan Maynard sat down with Belvoir St Theatre Artistic Director Eamon Flack to talk about his play "At What Cost?"

“It’s a little bit dirty, it’s juicy, it’s personal and it has that feel that you shouldn’t be watching it. But you should.” Nathan Maynard

Hear why WA audiences should take the opportunity and sink their teeth into this gritty, provocative Palawa story, as it makes its WA premiere from Friday 17 July Subiaco Arts Centre for a strictly limited season until 1 August.

🎟️ Tickets: Book now https://shorturl.at/kujB9

Contemporary Palawa playwright, Nathan Maynard chats with our Artis...

04/06/2026

Board Announcements 🗣️

Following the company’s recent AGM held in May, we are pleased to announce Barbara Hostalek (Yawuru, Gija) as the company’s new Chair and Paul Clowry (Murri) as Vice Chair.

Barbara has been a valued leader within the company, previously serving as Vice Chair and Treasurer, and contributing as a playwright. Paul joined the Board in 2024 and has been an active and committed member of our Governance Advisory Committee.

We extend our deep thanks to outgoing Chair Debra Miller (Noongar) for her outstanding leadership over the past three years, guiding the company through a significant period and strengthening our organisation for the future.

We also acknowledge the contributions of long-serving Director Terry Grose (17 years) as he retires from the board. At the AGM, Chair Debra Miller paid tribute to Terry for his commitment, professional wisdom, generosity, and unwavering belief in Yirra Yaakin, serving with distinction on both the Finance and Governance Advisory Committees. 👏

Rachael Pearson (Noongar) has also completed her three-year term and shared that “It was a privilege to serve on the board of such a vital arts organisation, honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through powerful storytelling and community engagement”.

With a strong and passionate Board, Yirra Yaakin looks forward to continuing to share culture and storytelling in 2026 and beyond.

More info: 🔗 https://yirrayaakin.com.au/new-chair-and-vice-chair-announcement/

28/05/2026

Last month we welcomed Mark Nannup (Yamatji/Noongar), currently completing his Masters of Philosophy (Research) at The University of Western Australia, to our offices for a valuable workshop with Yirra Yaakin and WA Youth Theatre Company staff.

Mark shared insights on best practices for ‘Social and Emotional Wellbeing' for touring and stage, so we can create culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal artists - sparking important conversations around care, respect and community both on and off the road.

Woolah Mark for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

27/05/2026

Today marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, running until 3 June.

This week recognises two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey – the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo decision.

Reconciliation is something that must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians. It is about building respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company we believe everyone has a role to play. Together ‘All In’ - we can strengthen our communities by valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, stories, cultures and futures.

For further info and to check out events happening in WA please visit https://www.recwa.org.au/all-in-for-reconciliation/

25/05/2026

A huge thank you to the Town of Claremont for having the Djinda Kaatijin team at 'An Afternoon at Lake Claremont'.🌳🍃

We had such a wonderful time sharing stories, connecting with community and being part of a fantastic day filled with activities for everyone. From guided walks around the lake with Friends of Lake Claremont to meeting the amazing animals that call the lake home, including snakes and reptiles, it was a beautiful afternoon.

The Djinda Kaatijin (to learn about stars) cast and crew are performing daily at school throughout the metropolitan area, and loving every moment of bringing this celestial story to audiences ✨

📽 Soco Studios

24/05/2026

The company was thrilled to have been able to perform “Which Way Home” by Katie Beckett in Carnarvon last Friday as part of Gnulli Festival. Thank you Shire of Carnarvon for having us and allowing us to share this heartfelt father and daughter story.