A powerful collaboration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will headline the pre-game cultural performance at this year’s Dreamtime at the ‘G blockbuster.
Featuring the music of Spinifex Gum, the amazing young voices of Marliya of Gondwana Choirs, and internationally renowned Indigenous rapper, Briggs, the cultural performance is not to be missed.
Choreographed by Deborah Brown (of Bangarra), in collaboration with The Wurundjeri Land Council and dancers, the magic of Dreamtime will come to life in a colourful display of music, dance and storytelling.
Essendon and Richmond supporters are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:30pm to enjoy the powerful pre-game show.
Marliya (Mar-Lee-Ya), a choir of 22 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women, will perform three songs in total, including a special collaboration with Briggs that features a recital from Aboriginal Elder and Australian Senator, Pat Dodson.
The lyrics in the songs are a combination of English and Yindjibarndi which comes from Pilbara region of Western Australia. The young women in the choir pride themselves singing in language.
Spinifex Gum, a unique Australian music project created by Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill (of The Cat Empire), is inspired by stories from the Pilbara and around Australia. The performance will speak to some hard issues, but critical issues for all of us as Australian’s.
“The opportunity for the choir to sing on this stage is a dream come true for these talented and passionate young women,” Riebl said.
"Spinifex Gum is a journey that is topical and politically charged but leaves you feeling uplifted and empowered for change.”
“This isn't a vision of Australia designed for tourism, but to hold up a mirror to the country in all its destruction, injustice, strength and beauty.”
Working in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Land Council, the ceremony includes a traditional welcome to country and smoking ceremony.
CLICK HERE to view Locked Up featuring Briggs with Marliya.
The choir will also perform at The Long Lunch on Thursday June 29 at Crown Palladium.
Dreamtime at the G run sheet on Saturday:
4.00pm Curtain Raiser Rio Tinto Cup commences
5.25pm Curtain Raiser Concludes
6:10pm Long Walk arrives
6.20pm Sir Doug Nicholls Round Ceremony commences
6.30pm Dreamtime at the G cultural performance
7.03pm Nathan Lovett-Murray Marngrook ball presentation to umpires
7.04pm Essendon FC enters
7.07pm Richmond FC enters
7.18pm Teams and umpires to be in position for Dreamtime Dance
7:23pm Ngarra Murray, Sir Doug Nicholls Great Granddaughter, Coin Toss
7.25pm Match commences
