About

ILBIJERRI is one of Australia’s leading theatre companies creating innovative works by First Nations artists.

The longest established First Nations theatre company in Australia, ILBIJERRI creates, presents and tours powerful and engaging theatre by First Nations artists that gives voice to our cultures.

ILBIJERRI is committed to growing a sustainable and vibrant First Nations arts ecology and is investing in the next generation of First Nations theatre makers and industry professionals. Deep listening with and for community and country is central to our work. We take seriously our role as cultural leaders, continuing to make work that speaks to the truth of this country, sometimes with humour, but always celebrating the extraordinary resilience and strength of First Nations people.

With almost 30 years since incorporation, ILBIJERRI continues to bring the brilliance and sophistication of bold, black voices to audiences in country halls, community spaces, prisons and major venues, across Australia and the world.

2020 Key Partners

MISSION

ILBIJERRI Theatre Company creates challenging and inspiring theatre by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists that gives voice to our cultures.

VISION

Our voices are powerful in determining the future of Australia. Our cultures are respected, celebrated and embraced.

HISTORY

ILBIJERRI (pronounced ‘il BIDGE er ree) is a Woiwurrung word meaning ‘Coming Together for Ceremony’.

ILBIJERRI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre Cooperative (ILBIJERRI Theatre Company) was formed in 1990 when a group of Melbourne Indigenous artists and community members came together to form a professional theatre company for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Victoria.

Since the company’s inception we have been initiating and developing performances in collaboration with our community and artists. Our plays explore a range of complex and controversial issues from a uniquely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective. Our work possesses the power to reach out and remind audiences of every person’s need for family, history and heritage.

Awards

2019 Australia Council Award for Theatre

ILBIJERRI Artistic Director Rachael Maza
2017 Melbourne Award

Contribution to Community by a Community Organisation
2017 Drover Award

ILBIJERRI Artistic Director Rachael Maza - Touring Legend
2016 Green Room Award

BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR - Best Independent Theatre Production
2015 VicHealth Award

Building Health Through Arts
2015 Drama Victoria Award

Best Peformance by a Theatre Company for VCE Drama - BEAUTIFUL ONE DAY
2014 Helpmann Award

Best Regional Tour for 2013 National Tour of JACK CHARLES V THE CROWN
2014 APACA Drover Award

Tour of the Year for the 2013 National Tour of JACK CHARLES V THE CROWN
2014 Green Room Association Award

For Industry Contribution
2014 Melbourne Awards Finalist

For Contribution to Profile by a Community Organisation
2013 Creative Partnerships Australia Awards

Creative Partnerships Arts & Health Award - ILBIJERRI Theatre & Department of Health and Hepatitis Victoria
2012 Helpmann Award Nomination

Rachael Maza – Best Director Nominee for JACK CHARLES V CROWN
2012 Helpmann Award Nomination

Jack Charles – Best Actor Nominee for JACK CHARLES V CROWN
2012 The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards

Group Winner
2011 The Woor-Dungin Awards

Celebrating partnerships between Indigenous organisations and philanthropy
2008 Public Healthcare Awards

Department of Services Secretary’s award for CHOPPED LIVER
2008 Indigenous Community Justice Awards

Enforcement Initiative - CHOPPED LIVER
2006 Deadly Awards

Outstanding achievement in literature - Gary Foley, Kylie Belling and John Harding for DIRTY MILE