The Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre is proud to present the powerful homecoming of Garabari — a bold and immersive work by Joel Bray Dance, created on Wiradjuri Country and now returning to where its story first began.
Opening on the evening of Wednesday 22 October on the Civic Theatre stage, this unique performance brings home a Wiradjuri story of the forming of the Murrumbidgee River.
Garabari is a contemporary corroboree, created in collaboration with local Wiradjuri Elders and community members in Wagga Wagga. After premiering in Melbourne, the work is returning to its source, bringing with it a celebration of story, spirit and place.
Civic Theatre Manager Claire Harris said "This is a homecoming in every sense; Garabari was created here, with our Elders and local knowledge holders."It's incredibly meaningful to see it return to Wagga Wagga. The Civic Theatre is proud to be the place where this story is shared with its own community."
The work explores a creation story of the Murrumbidgee River, gifted to the project by local Wiradjuri Elders, and reimagines the concept of corroboree for the stage. What makes Garabari unique is that audiences aren't sitting in traditional seats—they are on stage, in the circle, sharing space with the performers.
For Joel Bray, a proud Wiradjuri man who is now based in Melbourne, this season of Garabari marks a deeply personal moment in his artistic journey.
"Coming back to Wagga with this work means everything to me, bringing it back to the place and people it was made with—that's special. It's a chance to share it with family, with mob, with the whole community who helped shape it," Joel Bray said.
"It's not something you watch from a distance; the audience is invited onto the stage and into the ceremony. You're moving, listening, responding, you're part of the event. It's an experience you feel in your body.
"We're inviting people of Wagga to stand in the circle, to dance, to listen, to remember. That's what Garabari is all about."
Part of the Civic Theatre's 2025 Season, Garabari reflects the theatre's ongoing commitment to showcasing stories that are locally grounded and nationally significant.
"Our 2025 program is about adventure, connection and imagination," said Claire Harris. "Garabari embodies all of that—and more. It's a beautiful example of how the arts can bring us back to what matters: Country, community, and culture."
The Civic Theatre will host four performances of Garabari from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 October 2025.
