Galup VR Experience

Uncover the untold stories of Galup (Lake Monger) in this powerful 360° virtual reality film.

In the heart of suburban Perth there's a lake with a buried history. Noongar Elder Doolann-Leisha Eatts spent her life sharing the truth of what really happened there. 

For millennia, Galup was a traditional Noongar camping and meeting place. The name Galup means place where the home fires burn. Today, thousands of people visit the lake and its iconic black swans without knowing the events that happened there or understanding the significance of this important site.

Galup VR Experience is an invitation to learn more about Australia’s collective past as you sit with Doolann by her fire and hear about one of the first colonial massacres of Noongar people.

Noongar performer Ian Wilkes and his son Calven join Doolann to immerse you in this powerful retelling of history. As the rush-hour traffic passes by and the centuries slip away, they shed light on the tragic events that occurred in and around Galup in 1830, guiding audiences towards an immersive understanding of Noongar culture and the impacts of settler colonialism.

This profound and intimate truth-telling experience brings people together for connection and healing. 

Created by Ian Wilkes and Poppy van Oorde-Grainger with an oral history from Elder Doolann-Leisha Eatts, and guided by a team of supportive Noongar Elders, Galup VR Experience will resonate with you long after you leave.

"I have lived my whole life dreaming that this story would be told. It was my greatest desire, right from when I was 10 years old." - Doolann-Leisha Eatts 

a hand extended into the swirling smoke of a campfire

Important information

  • This event is for ages 13 and up.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Islander audience members are advised that this production includes names, images and voices of people who have passed away. Names, images and voices of the deceased are used with permission.
  • Each session includes an introduction to the experience, a 9-minute virtual reality screening and a yarning circle.
  • The headset is designed to fit over the top of most prescription glasses. Glasses wearers are advised to take extra care when fitting the headset.
  • Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery is a new venue at the Joondalup Civic Centre, located at 90 Boas Ave, Joondalup. You can find it between the Joondalup Council Chambers and the Administration Building.
  • Free parking is available at the Civic Centre, including ACROD bays. 
  • Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery is a wheelchair accessible venue.
  • Explore additional online resources here.

Credits

Produced by Same Drum and guided by a team of supportive Noongar Elders.

Assisted by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Project Partners: Viewport XR, Museum of Freedom and Tolerance, Community Arts Network, Town of Cambridge Library, City of Vincent and Sandbox Productions.

Galup VR Experience is based on the Galup site-specific performance originally commissioned by International Art Space as a part of the Know Thy Neighbour #2 program. The performance was remounted in 2021 for Perth Festival, co-produced by Same Drum and Performing Lines WA.

Top image by Dan Grant and bottom image by Poppy van Oorde-Grainger.

About Same Drum

Same Drum is a not-for-profit production company that creates high-quality art and film and supports a diverse range of people to tell stories. Same Drum operates with a keen eye on justice with many projects having a considered social impact strategy. Their work has been critically well-received, winning multiple industry awards and gaining recognition across international film festivals, broadcast television, national and international media and across a network of community and creative partnerships.

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