2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Black Theatre and the establishment of the Tent Embassy. In 1972 a group of dedicated Aboriginal activists came together on the streets of Redfern to create change. They created Redfern’s first self-determined Aboriginal theatre company alongside the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. It is a significant year of celebration for First Nations contemporary arts – and politics – in Australia.

On Sat 12 Nov, Carriageworks looks to the future of Blak Arts with a celebration honouring the legacies of The National Black Theatre. For one night only, everyone is invited to join us for a program spanning live music, performance, drag, visual art, and film, kicked off with a citizen’s assembly led by author and Uluru Statement from the Heart campaigner Thomas Mayor.

Plus expect some surprises as we reveal the 2023 program.

4pm till late

Free event, register now:


** Registration for this event includes agreeing to receive Carriageworks communications. You can opt-out at any time.

View full program here.

Main Stage
Nadeena Dixon
Elaine Crombie
Nana Miss Koori
Fringe Dwellers
BENNYGOLD
Josie Baker
Mariah Kenny
Ebstar
Eric Avery

Moogahlin Electronica Stage
Troy Russell + Tim Gray
Gee Whiz

Solid Ground Gallery
Artworks by Solid Ground Students

National Black Theatre + Solid Ground Cinema
Darlene Johnson’s The Redfern Story
Solid Ground Music Videos

Weaving Circle
Led by Aunty Karleen Green and Henrietta Baird

+ surprise performances throughout the evening

For more information about your visit to Carriageworks for PARTY | PROTEST | REMEMBER, click here.

Read our COVID-Safe Plan before your next visit.

Presented by Carriageworks with:
Major Partner Bloomberg
Media Partners Broadsheet and Rock Posters.
Coffee Partner Dhuwa

Nana Miss Koori

Nana Miss Koori wears a black afro and purple ruffle coat with black gloves and a huge statement ring.
PARTY  A venue-wide celebration of live music, performance, drag and visual arts, honouring the legacies of The National Black Theatre.

Sat 12 Nov, 4pm
Free event
Thomas Mayor headshot
PROTEST  Join a citizen’s assembly led by author Thomas Mayor for community to discuss a First Nations Voice to Parliament and what it means to us all.

Sat 12 Nov, 2pm
Free event
A black and white grainy image of a protest. Protesters hold a sign that reads 'FREE BLACK AUSTRALIA' - the letter B is covered by someone holding an Aboriginal flag.
REMEMBER  For those who missed our screening of Darlene Johnson's documentary The Redfern Story, it will be screened again as part of PARTY on Sat 12 Nov in Bay 19.
Warakirri by Indigiearth
Warakirri by Indigiearth 
Join us for a delicious pop-up food experience, Warakirri by Indigiearth a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated cafe located in Mudgee that celebrates modern Australian Native Cuisine. Founded by Sharon Winsor (Ngemba/Weilwan), Warakirri by Indigiearth will be serving up dishes made using native ingredients including damper with native jam and wattleseed cream, kangaroo sliders, lemon myrtle squid with finger lime pearls and green ants, bush tomato, pumpkin and fetta quiche and crocodile salad.
Guests sit at tables in the cafe space at Carriageworks.
Drinks Line-up 
Dry Bar: Sobah, Australia's first Aboriginal owned and led non-alcoholic craft beer
Theatre Bar: Dhuwa, Australia's first Aboriginal owned and operated coffee brand + drinks by Archie Rose, Atomic and Scotchman Hill