Aliwah Bardinar! Breaksea arts organisation brings vibrant children’s musical to Albany Entertainment Centre

The story of Aliwah Bardinar!, how the western rosella got its vibrant colours, is set to captivate children when the Breaksea arts organisation brings its latest production to the Albany Entertainment Centre in June. Presented in both English and Noongar, the show features puppets, vibrant costumes, original new music and will be performed by a cast which includes its creators Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse. Director of music Pia Harris said the play is suitable for children aged four to 12. “With a fabulous cast and musicians, it’s a feast for the eyes and ears,” she said. Ms Williams said the musical is about the western rosella, or bardinar, which is unique to WA. Aliwah bardinar means ‘look out rosella’ in the Noongar language. “We are so excited about this production,” Ms Williams said. “We love the story, the costumes are beautiful, the music is sweet and it tells the story of our little bardinar, who is unique to Noongar country.” Ms Williams and Mr Ghouse are award-winning writers and composers with their works including Wanjoo, The Welcome Song, and Koolbardi wer Wardong, an opera sung entirely in Noongar. Breaksea is a multi-arts organisation which champions regional artists and communities across WA. Aliwah Bardinar! started as a three-month project at a primary school in Fremantle and was developed through community workshops across WA as part of the Awesome Arts Festival last year. It will premiere in Albany with two shows on June 21 and has a running time of 50 minutes.