Mungangga Garlagula (Wajarri for “yarning by the fire”) is a deeply human story of homecoming, told through spoken word, soundscape and music. Co-created and performed by Yamatji artist Mark Atkins and Finnish-Australian composer Erkki Veltheim, the work celebrates the life and career of one of Australia’s finest First Nations musicians and poets.

A virtuosic didgeridoo player and compelling storyteller, Atkins has collaborated with artists including Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Philip Glass and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Veltheim, a Sidney Myer Fellow, is known for his work on Gurrumul’s posthumous album Djarimirri.

Atkins and Veltheim perform live on stage in this theatrical production, with a recorded soundscape by Genevieve Lacey, Vanessa Tomlinson, Stephen Magnusson, Anthony Pateras and Scott Tinkler.

Following seasons in Albany, WA’s South West and at the Canberra International Music Festival, this one-night-only Perth performance marks the culmination of a five-year creative journey.