Bunjil & Paliyang
by Amos Roach, William Vyvyan Murray and the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe
Presented by Darebin Arts Speakeasy, as part of Darebin FUSE Festival
A powerful reimagining of a traditional Kulin Nation Songline story, Bunjil & Paliyang blends ancient knowledge with orchestral music and dance to mark the beginning of bat season.
Acclaimed artist and Didjeridoo player Amos Roach and violist William Vyvyan Murray lead an ensemble of musicians and dancers to bring the Creation story of Bunjil the Eagle, Paliyang the Bat, Koonawarra the Black Swan and Kururok the Brolga to life.
A creative partnership that began in 2022 with a bat and moved through the Six Seasons of Gariwerd, Roach and Murray's collaborations are conversations of Country and the wild lives that surround us all.
Teena Moffat and Brent Watkins’ incredible choreography will create an immersive performance interweaving Roach and Murray’s original composition, traditional Songlines, and powerful dance from the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe, inviting audiences to fly with them through the skies, waters and dreams of Country.
Join us for this moving celebration of connection, culture, and the enduring presence of Ancestors.
We Acknowledge that we live and work on unceded Wurundjeri and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country. We thank the Elders past and present for their guidance and hospitality.
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Age Suitability
Suitable for all ages – families with children encouraged to attend.
Special Performances
A Smoking Ceremony will occur at the following performances in the Civic Square outside of Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre:
- 13 September, 7.30pm (before the performance)
- 21 September, 5pm (at the conclusion of the performance)
Creative Team
Composed by: Amos Roach and William Vyvyan Murray
Directed by: Amos Roach
Design and Choreography by: Teena Moffat and Brent Watkins
Danced and performed by: the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe
Music Ensemble of: Amos Roach, William Vyvyan Murray, Jodie Rottle & Teddy Chessells
Produced by: Yvette Scholtmeyer, Herding Cats Management and Events
With special thanks to the Elders who have guided us in this journey.
This production received additional support from Creative Australia

When
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Saturday, 13 September 2025 | 07:30 PM
- 09:00 PM
-
Sunday, 14 September 2025 | 05:00 PM
- 05:50 PM
-
Saturday, 20 September 2025 | 07:30 PM
- 08:20 PM
-
Sunday, 21 September 2025 | 05:00 PM
- 06:30 PM
Location
Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High Street, Northcote, 3070, View Map
-37.7744444,144.9975
189 High Street ,
Northcote 3070
Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre
189 High Street ,
Northcote 3070
Bunjil & Paliyang