Inspired by the devastating 2019–2020 fires and the changing climate, experience a brand-new work in four parts: a moving dance performance, a Baya (fire) installation, native planting and yarns, which weave together Indigenous knowledge and environmental science to share the importance of caring for Country.

Plant a Promise is conceived by Kuku Yalanji choreographer and playwright Henrietta Baird (The Weekend, Sydney Festival 2019), a recipient of the Carriageworks First Nations Fellowship. This World Premiere work grew out of that experience. 

Working closely with her Elders, Plant a Promise is Baird’s heartfelt plea to take better care of Country and the natural world. The four elements of this work invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences to link culture and environment, and to weave connection between spaces that colonial systems have tended to separate.

Dance Performance
Wednesday 22 January – Saturday 25 January
The Studio Theatre at Bangarra

The performance on 25 January will be followed by a post-show conversation with Henrietta Baird.

VIEW PROGRAM

Baya (Fire) Installation
Monday 20 January – Saturday 25 January, 10am–6pm
The Studio Theatre at Bangarra

A giant dilly bag of stories and burnt furniture, with projections featuring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people reflecting on the nature of fire in Australia.  

Healing Country - Free Planting Workshop
Sunday 19 January at 10am / 11am / 1pm / 2pm

Join Henrietta Baird and the Royal Botanic Gardens team for a free native grass planting workshop at the eastern edge of Yurong, The Domain (please see the exact location here). These workshops are limited to 25 participants. Patrons are advised to wear weather appropriate clothing and covered shoes.

REGISTER INTEREST

Weaving Workshop and Yarns (see Vigil: Gunyah)

Weaving Workshop with Adalene Williams & Henrietta Baird (2 hours) 
Saturday 18 January at 11am

REGISTER INTEREST

Plant a Promise Talk hosted by Clarence Slockee with Victor Steffensen, Vanessa Cavanagh, Dr Brett Summerell & Henrietta Baird 
Saturday 18 January at 3pm 

Our sincere thanks to The Scully Fund, the Oranges & Sardines Foundation and all the Sydney Festival Donors who helped to make this production possible.