On the stage
From song to the opera stage
Two works by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse bring Noongar storytelling to the stage.
Koolbardi wer Wardong
Gina and Guy made their opera debut in 2021 with Koolbardi wer Wardong. Presented by West Australian Opera, the work follows the Magpie and the Crow in a traditional Noongar story about rivalry and pride. It was performed in Noongar with English surtitles.
A shared stage
The original production brought singers and instrumentalists together with young voices, a Noongar children’s choir and a youth orchestra. Gina performed as Ngaank Boodja and Guy played guitar. Music, story and language became a shared theatrical experience.
Wundig wer Wilura
Their second opera premiered in February 2024 as part of Perth Festival. Commissioned by West Australian Opera, Wundig wer Wilura tells a story of lovers whose lives are bound to family, lore and Country, and to the hills at York. The opera was subsequently presented in a concert version.
Explore the productions
The two works sit alongside Gina and Guy’s albums and songbook as another expression of their collaboration. West Australian Opera’s programmes offer the fuller synopses, cast lists and creative credits for readers who would like to go deeper.
