Brisbane Festival 2025 is set to deliver one of its most powerful First Nations programs yet — a rich tapestry of stories, ceremonies, and performances that honour connection to Country, cultural pride, and resilience. From large-scale riverfront spectacles to intimate dance works, the program brings together new commissions, festival favourites, and unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Aunty Bridget Garay, Chair of the Brisbane Festival Indigenous Advisory Group (Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation), says the program reflects “a genuine and ongoing commitment to embedding First Nations voices across every part of the festival. The Reconciliation Action Plan is not just symbolic, it’s a call to action, and this program shows that in real time.”
One of the most anticipated highlights will see acclaimed creative visionary Stephen Page return home to Brisbane with Baleen Moondjan (18–21 Sept) — his first major commission since leaving Bangarra. Inspired by a story from his grandmother, from the Ngugi/Nunukul/Moondjan people of Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), the work unfolds as a monumental outdoor ceremony on the Brisbane River, framed by giant floating whale bones. Fusing contemporary dance, language, and storytelling, the production reunites Page with collaborators Jacob Nash and Alana Valentine in a celebration of whale songlines and totemic systems.
The festival opens with the world premiere of Preparing Ground (5–7 Sept), a six-year collaboration between Kukuyalanji/Waanyi woman Marilyn Miller, Tagalaka/Kurtitjar woman Jasmin Sheppard, and Wakka Wakka/Kombumerri woman Katina Olsen. This deeply moving dance work explores displacement, reclamation, and the living strength of Country.
Spectacle returns to the skies in Skylore – Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale (25–27 Sept), where hundreds of drones retell Yuggera and Toorabul creation stories under the creative vision of Shannon Ruska.
Other program highlights include:
Unveiling Shadows (10–13 Sept) — the debut solo from Bidjara/Kullali/Wakka Wakka–Italian artist Joshua Taliani, blending hip-hop, vogue, and dance theatre in a raw journey of identity and healing.
Quandamooka Festival (13–14 Sept) on Minjerribah — two days of cultural celebration through tours, corroborees, music, food, weaving, art, and film.
Migrating Bird (14 Sept) — Véronique Serret performs her ARIA-nominated album live for the first time, joined by William Barton.
TINA – A Tropical Love Story (18–20 Sept) — drag performer Miss Ellaneous celebrates the spirit of Tina Turner in a dazzling cabaret.
The Great First Nations Songbook (20 Sept) — a free outdoor big-band concert led by Adam James at UQ’s St Lucia campus.
Sea of Light (20 Sept–5 Oct) — luminous interactive art by Elizabeth Close at Queensland Museum Kurilpa.
The Bogong’s Song: A Call to Country (25 Sept–4 Oct) — Bangarra’s enchanting family work of shadow puppetry, dance, and song.
Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina says, “From the luminous magic of Skylore to the intergenerational wonder of The Bogong’s Song, this program spans the epic to the intimate.”
Mobtix discounted tickets are available for First Nations community members through the festival’s First Nations Network. Visit brisbanefestival.com.au/mobtix for details. | Photo: Daniel Boud
