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 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.

 

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.

 

KEY PARTNERS

 

Awards

  • 2020 Green Room, Lifetime Achievement Award
    ILBIJERRI Artistic Director Rachael Maza
  • 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

Annual Reports