YIRRA YAAKIN THEATRE COMPANY

Use this link to access the company's website: http://www.yirrayaakin.com.au/

Keep this open as a seperate tab to refer back to.

If given an open-ended question, type your answers in full sentences.

Yirra Yaakin (Yir-raarh Yaar-kin) is an Aboriginal Theatre Company based in Western Australia.

What does Yirra Yaakin mean in Noongar Language?

Answer explanation

Yirra Yaakin means ‘Stand Tall’ in Noongar language.

Noongar is the official language spoken by the Aboriginal People of _____________.

• Western Australia

• South-Western Australia

• Australia

• New Zealand

Answer explanation

Noongar is the offical language of the Aboriginal people of the south-west of Western Australia.

What year was Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company established?

• 1980

• 2001

• 1993

• 2020

What was the company called before it was Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company?

Answer explanation

The Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company was originally founded in 1987 as the Middar Aboriginal Theatre.

In 1993, it became established the Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre and has grown to be known as the Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company.

In the second last paragraph of the “Our Story” page it says “Yirra Yaakin’s priority is to ensure Aboriginal theatre remains under Aboriginal control”. This means that it is important that the company is run by Aboriginal people.

Why do you think this is?

Answer explanation

It is important that the company remains under "Aboriginal control" in order to provide opportunities for Aboriginal artists at all levels of theatre creation and production. This is because historically, Aboriginal people have not been treated fairly or offered equal opportunities.

It is also important that the Aboriginal stories are written, run and told by Aboriginal people in order to stay true to their culture and ensure that their culture is represented in the way they want it to be. This will keep Aboriginal culture and traditions alive.

Why does Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company Exist?

What is their purpose?

Answer explanation

The Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company exists to entertain, inspire and educate the world about Aboriginal culture. Their goal is to keep Aboriginal culture alive.

Are Yirra Yaakin’s plays only for Aboriginal people?

Why do you think this?

Answer explanation

No, the plays are for everyone. The company take their plays around the globe to teach the world about Aboriginal Culture.

The plays provide important representation for Aboriginal people, giving Aboriginal children and adults pride in their culture and someone to look up to.

The plays provide important education to Non-Aboriginal people which is important to develop respect, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal people and culture.

Use this link to find your answer: https://yirrayaakin.com.au/our-story/

How many people have seen Yirra Yaakin (originally Middar Aboriginal Theatre) performances?

• 10,000,000

• 1,000,000

• 5,000

• 60,000

How many countries have has the Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company performed in?

• 1

• 5

• 27

• 32

Who was your favourite character from the play?

• Koya the frog

• Yaakan the turtle

• Maali the swan