ABORIGINAL SHOWS FOR CHILDCARE

ABOUT THE SHOW

Step into the vibrant world of Cheeky Emus, where cultural exploration meets playful learning! Our workshop begins with a heartfelt tribute to the local Indigenous community, setting the stage for a magical journey through language, storytelling, and traditional practices.

Greetings in Many Tongues!

Our engaging performer kickstarts the adventure by discussing the importance of learning greetings in different languages when exploring new places. Children enthusiastically share 'bonjour,' 'Ni Hao,' and 'Konnichiwa.' The performer then introduces the local language, teaching them how to say hello in Dharawal language, fostering a sense of connection to the Aboriginal culture.

Journey to Brewarrina: Discovering Ancestral Roots

Embark on an imaginary road trip with the performer, she shares stories of her grandmother from the Murrawarri tribe. The children join her on an 11-hour drive to Brewarrina, stopping in Dubbo to observe the symbolic 'Ngurrunj' (the Emu) at the zoo. The journey unfolds with tales of cultural richness and ancestral connection.

Thirri Yanna Purlilli: A Playful Song and Dance

Listen to the song here

The performer introduces the children to the Murrawarri language with a lively song and dance called 'Thirri Yanna Purlilli' (Shoo flies), offering a delightful way to fend off pesky flies. The workshop also features an array of Aboriginal musical instruments, including clap sticks, emu callers, kangaroo skin drums, and clap stick boomerangs, captivating the children with their unique sounds.

Emu Eggs and Traditional Practices

The performer shares captivating stories about respectful and sustainable practices for hunting Emu eggs.

Guya Ngarra:  The fish song 🐟

Listen to the song here

Children will learn to sing the song 'Guya Ngarra' (Bring lots of fish to us). This engaging activity is followed by the children learning the fish dance, immersing them in the rich traditions of the Aboriginal people. During this song the children have the opportunity to play various Aboriginal musical instruments including:

- Clap sticks

-Emu callers 🪶

-Kangaroo skin drums  🦘🥁

Ochre Painting: Bringing Art to Life

To conclude the workshop, the performer presents ochre to the children, demonstrating its transformation from natural rock to face paint. The children witness the painting of the sand goanna, a Murrawarri totem, on the performer's face and body, learning about X-ray art that depicts the skeleton of the animal. This hands-on experience adds a colourful touch to their cultural journey.

Culmination of Tradition and Learning

Cheeky Emus Cultural Workshop is more than a journey; it's an immersive experience that celebrates Indigenous heritage, language, and sustainable practices. Join us as we create lasting memories and foster a deeper understanding of Australia's rich cultural tapestry.