
Wardarnji
Wardarnji celebrates the beauty of Nyoongar culture in breathtaking song, language, dance and story by First Nations artists, creatives and cultural leaders. Wardarnji joyously showcases one of the world’s oldest and richest cultures, with dancers performing traditional and contemporary works, fires burning well into the night and an array of markets showcasing the talents of local Aboriginal makers.
Renowned Nyoongar performers and producers who have directed Wardarnji include Richard Walley, Robyn Smith-Walley and Karla Hart. It has always been First Nations-led and supported by the City of Fremantle through event delivery at sites across Walyalup including Fremantle Art Centre and Esplanade Park.
The recent 2023 Wardarnji had an audience of 3,000 over the day, with eventgoers treated to 14 groups performing traditional and contemporary dances from over 10 clans. 150+ artists were involved, ranging in age from 4 to over 70!
“Wardarnji has a spot in the heart of our communities and the dancers look forward to this special time each year that they all get to dance together under the stars, raising the vibration of country through dance and song and making everyone’s spirit strong.” —Karla Hart Woola!!!