What: A 7 day yidaki-making and yidaki-playing workshop in a small-group setting with Djalu Gurruwiwi in his home community of Wallaby Beach, living on-site and participating in a variety of daily activities with his extended family.
Primarily, you will make your own yidaki to keep with the help of Djalu and other family members and you will listen to and practise some of the traditional playing styles and techniques that Yolngu are renowned for.
In addition, you will gain a deeper appreciation for Yolngu kinship, cosmology, language and contemporary life in this part of Arnhem Land.
With Djalu’s advancing years, this may be one of the last few opportunities to meet with the Master in a structured setting and it is also a chance for you to see succession in action as Djalu’s grandsons take up the challenge of continuing his legacy.
On Sunday the 7th of January there will be a special commemorative event to honour Djalu’s sister, the recently departed Ms. D. Gurruwiwi, all are invited to come and join in.
To express interest in this Yidaki Masterclass with Djalu, please fill in the form at the bottom of this page and we will get in touch with you to confirm your place and to answer any questions you might have about the masterclass.
A video playlist of one previous Yidaki Masterclass with Djalu and other Rripangu Yirdaki events can also be viewed below.
When: 1-7 January 2018 (you may arrive on Sunday the 31st of December 2017 to see in the New Year with Djalu and family).
Where: Wallaby Beach (Birritjimi), Nhulunbuy, Gove Peninsula region, Northern Territory, Australia.
Who: This Yidaki Masterclass has no gender restrictions and is open to anyone who is willing to learn and to participate. Djalu will be assisted by his son Larry as well as a number of up-and-coming, new generation yidaki talent within the Galpu yothu yindi family who are following in Djalu’s ‘yidaki diplomacy’ footsteps.
How much: $2500.
Accommodation: Participants will live simply in a share-house situation at Wallaby Beach. There will be basic amenities such as a shower, toilet, and kitchen with cooking facilities. You may also camp if you bring your own tent but be aware that it will be the wet season during the time of the Yidaki Masterclass.
Food: Bring, buy and/or cook your own meals, self-catering and shared cooking duties will see everyone happy during the week. There are shops close-by with take-aways options available and groceries can also be purchased in Nhulunbuy at the 2 main supermarkets.
What to bring: A roll-up foam or air mattress and any other bedding you might require including sheets, pillow, blanket and sleeping bag; towel and toiletries; change of clothes for 7 days; a light raincoat or umbrella if you prefer; suitable footwear for wet weather; a set of cutlery enough for yourself (plate/bowl, knife, fork, spoon, cup); some pots and pans and chopping boards will also be useful to share; water bottle; a day bag or backpack for outings to the bush.
A playlist of a previous Rripangu Yirdaki Masterclass can be viewed below:
A playlist of an assortment of Rripangu Yirdaki performances, workshops and events available below:
Further reading:
Djalu Gurruwiwi biography/profile
Yidaki Exhibition with Djalu Gurruwiwi, South Australian Museum
Related links:
In Between Songs.
Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy.
Expressions of Interest are sought for the 1-7 January 2018 Yidaki Masterclass with Djalu Gurruwiwi and the new generation of yidaki talent.
Please use the form below to tell us who you are, your email address so we can get in touch with you, where you are travelling from, and any general comments or questions you may have.