The White Cockatoo Performing Group was created by the 'Kunbjorrk' didjeridu master Mr. David Blanasi and senior songmen Jack Nawilill and David Yirindilli.
White Cockatoo's performance credits include appearances at the World Music Institute, New York (1998); in the UK touring with Rolf Harris (1998); at the S.W. Indian Market, Santa Fe, performing with Indian star Robert Mirabal (1999); at the Expo 2000 World Exhibition, Hannover Germany, and this year at the 2001 Womad in Adelaide, Australia. This August will see the company returning to Europe.
In the USA they have appeared with the West Coasts own didjeridu gurus Stephen Kent in San Francisco (1999) and Ed Drury in Portland.('98) Mr. Blanasi was awarded the key to the city of Philidelphia after performances there in 1998.
Darryl Brown is the didjeridu apprentice to David Blanasi, the legendary didjeridu master of the 'Kunbjorrk' style of didjeridu playing, where the continuous drone from the instrument is syncopated in time with the songmen.
The men present the White Cockatoo corroboree, songs that are a part of the oldest unbroken artistic tradition on our planet today. In this performance, the songmen, accompanied by the 'Kunbjorrk" didjeridu, tell a series of stories sung in a cycle of songs.
The songs and the stories are ritually dramatised by the company dancers. Their bodies are covered in white ochre and clan designs.
The show takes place in front of a series of slides projected on to a white backdrop. The performance is illuminated by the projected images, with some additional stage lighting. The slides show rock paintings of their region, the land they are singing about, and master art works painted by Mr. David Blanasi.
The corroboree performance lasts one hour and the audience is invited to remain after the show for up to 30 minutes to meet the men and ask questions and exchange ideas. The shows often include short performances by didjeridu teachers/players domicile in the countries we visit and also include talks/discussions about aboriginal culture.
David Blanasi, a Wugularr elder from the Mialili language group, is widely regarded as one of the world's greatest exponents of the didjeridu.
Mr. Blanasi started playing the didjeridu at an early age and remembers when his father used to make them for him. His ceremonial knowledge and responsibilities have kept him busy and in demand throughout Arnhem Land for most of his life.
Respected for his wide repertoire and musical skills accompanying ceremonial song and dance, he has travelled and performed extensively throughout the world for over three decades.
In the early '60's he taught the Australian entertainer Rolf Harris how to play the didjeridu, bringing the instrument to national and international prominence for the first time.
Mr. Blanasi now devotes his time to his ceremonial responsibilities, training younger members of the company, as well as continuing an eminent career as a visual artist and master instrument maker.
Mialili men Jack and David are the senior song men for the White Cockatoo/Manngalinj (Bush Potato or Yam) Corroboree.
Jack and David's detailed knowledge of the corroboree songs and stories, combined with their skill in the rhythmic use of voice and clap sticks, distinguishes them as two of Arnhem Land's outstanding virtuosic elder musicians.
Jack and David have performed in New York, London, Los Angeles and Ottawa as well as looking after their families and carrying out their many ceremonial responsibilities in their homelands.
Jack and David's detailed knowledge of corroboree songs and dreaming stories makes them two of Australia's national living treasures.
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