Marri Madung Butbut: First Nations Gathering Space
Marri Madung Butbut: First Nations Gathering Space
Thu Feb 23 - Tue Feb 28
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Thu Feb 23 - Tue Feb 28
Thu Feb 23 - Tue Feb 28
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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 45th 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.
All ages. People aged 16-17 are recommended to be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. People aged 15 years or under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Ticketed events may have specific conditions of entry and age restrictions. Refer to the Sydney WorldPride website for the latest information.
Important Event Information
Thursday 23 February | 7pm – 11pm
Friday 24 February | 10am – 11pm
Saturday 25 February | 10am – 11pm
Sunday 26 February | 10am – 11pm
Monday 27 February | 10am – 11pm
Tuesday 28 February | 10am – 11pm
To download the event map, click here.
Accessibility
Accessible features available at this event:
- Wheelchair accessible – An access ramp leading to the main entrance is located at street level at 245 Wilson Street.
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible drop-off & pick-up points
- Language non-barrier (For visual artwork exhibitions only)
- Auslan interpretation for specific events – Please refer to the Sydney WorldPride website for the latest information.
- Assistive animal facilities
- Sunflower lanyard program
Please note: Sydney WorldPride shows may include strobe lighting, smoke and haze effects, loud music, flash photography, fire effects, pyrotechnics or other theatrical effects.
Sydney WorldPride is proud to support the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Program which is a globally recognised symbol for hidden or non-obvious disabilities. The Sunflower Lanyard enables people with hidden disabilities and conditions the choice to let the people around them know they may need extra support, empathy, understanding or patience. This may mean some wearers cannot stand for a long time in the queue to use the bathroom, may need the use of an accessible bathroom (even if they aren’t a wheelchair or mobility aid user), patience when their order is being taken, may need fast-tracked support, more time to move around (i.e. due to pain or mobility challenges) or can feel overwhelmed, sensory overload or stressed out in large crowds and loud environments.
If you already own a Sunflower lanyard please bring it along and it will be accepted at all SWP events. If you don’t already have one, Sunflower Lanyards will be available onsite at Carriageworks Box Office – please check the event map for Sunflower Lanyard Pickup locations on site. The lanyard is yours to keep and use during the festival and beyond! Click this link for more information on what the Sunflower Lanyard is and how it may support you.
Companion Cards
People who hold a valid Companion Card will be issued a complimentary ticket when they support a ticketholder with disability. To reserve tickets please contact [email protected]. You may be asked to present your Companion Card at the event.
For a step-by-step visual and written guide for visiting Carriageworks, click here.
If you have accessibility requirements, please contact Carriageworks on +61 2 8571 9099 Wed-Sun 10am-5pm for any further information or assistance.
An accessible drop-off & pick-up point will be available on Wilson street and also the end of Carriageworks Way. Enter via 229 Wilson Street for level access entry. Please refer to the event map for locations.
The closest train station with wheelchair access is Newtown Station.
Plan your trip at transportnsw.info – click here
Accessible trips are shown in the Trip Planner with the wheelchair icon. You can select “accessible services only” in the Options to ensure you only see accessible services. Only trip plans with accessible train platforms, ferry wharves and buses will be presented. Check accessible travel or download a transport app (select the “Accessibility” filter).
