A Sold-Out Success: Baraya Barray at Sydney Writers' Festival
A night of song, story and connection at Sydney Writers’ Festival
Last week, a full house gathered on Gadigal land at Sydney Writers’ Festival for Baraya Barray – Whale Song, a breathtaking evening of story, song, and poetry. Led by First Nations artists and cultural leaders, the event wove together the ancestral whale songline of the east coast through spoken word and music. Dhurga language holder, teacher and contemporary traditional dancer Elizabeth Luland alongside award-winning multi-disciplinary artist Kirli Saunders and violinist, vocalist, dancer and composer Eric Avery shared powerful stories of Country and kinship. Hosted by Gamilaroi poet and folklorist Luke Patterson, the evening was a sold-out success — deeply moving, unforgettable, and alive with cultural truth.
This event was part of Red Room Poetry’s Baraya Barray (Sing Country) program, which connects young First Nations people with Elders, Knowledge Holders and poets to explore identity, Language, and Country through creative expression. Red Room’s educational programs spark transformation and learning rooted in care and cultural respect in classrooms, festivals, and forests around the country.
Event Photos by Joseph Myers
As the end of financial year approaches, we invite you to support these vital programs. Your donation helps us keep poetry workshops, resources and performances accessible to schools, families and communities — and until June 30, all gifts are being matched dollar-for-dollar by the Oranges & Sardines Foundation. Together, we can grow the next generation of poetic storytellers, listeners, and custodians of truth.