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 (see Vigil: Gunyah) which weave together Indigenous knowledge and environmental science to share the importance of caring for Country.

The Baya installation will come to life by the water in The Thirsty Mile precinct, featuring a giant woven dilly bag of stories – and projected onto it, interviews with First Nations leaders. Alongside the dilly bag, the burnt remains of furniture will play interviews with people reflecting on the impact of the summer of fires. 

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.

Free Planting Workshops at Royal Botanic Gardens

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 a map pinpointing the location here), on Sunday 19 January 2025 at 10am / 11am / 1pm / 2pm. These workshops are limited to 25 participants. Patrons are advised to wear weather appropriate clothing and covered shoes.

Registrations will open shortly...

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