Thu Feb 23 – Tue Feb 28

Marri Madung Butbut (Many Brave Hearts): First Nations Gathering Space

Marri Madung Butbut (pronounced: Mah-ree Mah-dung, Bootboot) is the largest Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander & global First Nation LGBTQIA+SB program to take place in Australia. It’s a party, an artwork, and a gift – First Nation queer artists sharing their artistry and voices for the world to hear.

Located on Gadigal land, the renowned multi-arts organisation Carriageworks will come alive with six days of global First Nations creativity.

From free exhibits, to theatre, dining and drag, Marri Madung Butbut:  the First Nations Gathering Space will be the place where everyone is welcome to experience the rainbow heart of the oldest surviving culture on the planet. This is Marri Madung Butbut – Many Brave Hearts.

To view all the individual First Nations Gathering Space event listings, click here.

Marri Madung Butbut includes:

Bloodlines (click here)
4 Jan to 5 Mar – FREE
Created by The Huxleys, Bloodlines is a multi art form exhibition which honours and worships legendary artists lost to HIV/AIDS.

Klub Village (click here)
23 – 27 Feb
The unstoppable Kween Kong is placing First Nation storytelling front and centre, combining drag, circus and dance in a cabaret experience like nothing you’ve experienced. Each night featuring Kings and Queens who will share their stories, culture and talent.

Daddy (click here)
23 – 24 Feb
Created by Joel Bray, Daddy is hilarious, provocative and heartfelt. Featuring conversation, dance and all-you-can-eat audience participation, feast your senses with this immersive theatre piece.

Djarraba Disco (Bringer of Fire Disco) – Opening Night Party (click here)
23 Feb @ 8pm – FREE
The official opening party for Marri Madung Butbut, Djarraba Disco is a joyous evocation of dancefloors gone by, legends, icons and glamour. Sparkling under the mirror ball of queer history. Curated by The Huxleys.

Watch Party – Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert (click here)
24 Feb @ 5:30pm – FREE
Hosted by national treasure Elaine Crombie and BeeDazzled Shanks (Prince of Redfern) featuring DJ NAIAN and Drag Superstars to keep the Live and Proud energy rolling under the mirror ball.

Camp Culture (click here)
25 – 26 Feb
An interactive family circus show for campers of any age. Hosted by Dale Woodbridge Brown, he can’t use a compass but will show that no matter where you come from, there’s always a way to earn your badge for being your most authentic self.

Watch Party – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (click here)
25 Feb @ 5:30pm – FREE
Hosted by cabaret diva Constantina Bush and Rose Quartz, pop on your glad rags and watch the 45^th anniversary Parade and the glorious return to Oxford St with all your friends, from the rainbow heart of Marri Madung Butbut.

Chase (click here)
26 – 28 Feb
Experimental theatre and arthouse cinema collide with First Nation identity in this biting satire by Carly Sheppard & Kamarra Bell-Wykes.

Miss First Nation: Supreme Queen (click here)
26 – 28 Feb
Their Royal Highnesses are back to see who will reign supreme over all!

Deadly Deaf Queer Mob (click here)
26 Feb @ 12pm – FREE
Join us in the discussion that will provide insights into the Deaf First Nations community, the barriers faced and the determination to succeed, in order to empower the emerging leaders of tomorrow.

Launch of Nangamay (dream) Mana (gather) Djurali (grow) First Nations Australia LGBTQIA+SB Poetry (click here)
26 Feb @ 2pm – FREE
A world-first, ground-breaking collection of First Nations Australia LGBTIQA+SB poets, writers and storytellers shared publicly for the first time.

Ailan Songs Project (click here)
26 Feb @ 4:30pm
A collaborative work from Australian Indigenous singer Jessie Lloyd, Ailan Songs Project will explore popular historical songs from the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea with tropical island reggae grooves.

Ōvah Ōvah (click here)
26 Feb @ 8:30pm – FREE
Reclaiming Pasifika queer cultural defining stories through song, pacific dance, vogue, fashion, drag, poetry & production, and a joyous celebration of Queer Pasifika indigenous communities living in Oceania.

Club Ōvah (click here)
26 Feb @ 9:30pm – FREE
The world is Fem Queen and we’re just living in it! Join us and international DJ and activist Lady Shaka and Neesha Alexander. Wherever Lady Shaka goes she is leading with her Mana and the journey is always a good one!

Tidda Bingo (click here)
27 Feb @ 7:30pm – FREE
Join Tyra Bankstown and friends for a game of bingo on steroids and take in some fabulous performances.

Queer Koori-oke (click here)
27 Feb @ 9:30pm – FREE
Sing your little hearts out with Joocee (Thomas Bevan) at a deadly night of Koori-oke with ya mob.

Koori Gras (click here)
28 Feb @ 6pm – FREE
Celebrate the final night of Marri Madung Butbut with a vibrant showcase of First Peoples culture and community, embracing international perspectives on queer performance.

New Gen Takeover – Closing Party (click here)
Tuesday 28 Feb @ 9pm – FREE
Dance the closing night of Marri Madung Butbut away in with celebration of new gen mob talent.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access discounted tickets through the Sydney WorldPride MobTix program.

All ages welcome.

Trading Blak Pop-Up Store offers a curated selection of First Nations wares from First Nations owned and operated businesses. Be sure to check in each time you visit Marri Madung Butbut – each day has a new section to shop! Open from: 5:30pm Thu 23 Feb, 4pm on Fri 24 Feb, Mon 27 Feb, Tue 28 Feb and 10am on Sat 25 Feb and Sun 26 Feb.

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