Yirra Yaakin wins nine prestigious performing arts awards for Shakespeare adaptation, 'Hecate'

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, an indigenous theatre company based in Boorloo, Noongar Country (Perth), has received an outstanding 9 awards in this year's Performing Arts WA Awards for their 2020 production of Hecate. The awards are presented annually, and recognise excellence in professional theatre and dance across 34 categories including best actor, best dancer, best newcomer and best production. Performed as part of the Perth Festival in 2020 and presented in associated with Bell Shakespeare, Hecate was a world first: an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth performed entirely in Noongar language. In an award ceremony held on June 14 at the State Theatre Centre of WA, the cast and crew behind Hecate received an incredible 9 awards including Best Mainstage Theatre Production and Best New Work. Theatre Awards:

• Best Mainstage Theatre Production Hecate, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in association with Bell Shakespeare
• Best New Work (Theatre) Hecate, Kylie Bracknell [Kaarljilba Kaardn]
• Best Mainstage Theatre Director Kylie Bracknell [Kaarljilba Kaardn], Hecate, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in association with Bell Shakespeare
• Best Newcomer (Theatre) Cezera Critti-Schnaars, Hecate, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in association with Bell Shakespeare
• Best Supporting Actor (Male) Kyle J Morrison, Hecate, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in association with Bell Shakespeare
• Best Supporting Actor (Female) Cezera Critti-Schnaars, Hecate, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in association with Bell Shakespeare
• Best Actor (Female) Della Rae Morrison, Hecate, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in association with Bell Shakespeare

Design Awards:

• Best Composition or Arranging Dr Clint Bracknell, Hecate, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in association with Bell Shakespeare
• Best Lighting Design Mark Howett, Hecate, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in association with Bell Shakespeare

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="large" ids="https://media.localista.com.au/2021/05/Hecate-Tech-Run-1980-1600x0-c-default.jpg|,https://media.localista.com.au/2021/05/Hecate-Tech-Run-23-1600x0-c-default.jpg|"] The ground-breaking play retells the tale of Macbeth from the perspective of Hecate, leader of the three witches. Usually omitted from productions, Yirra Yaakin’s adaptation made Hecate the focal point of the story, watching as Macbeth strives for power at any cost. The production was well received, and has clearly made an impact within the Australian performing arts scene with its exploration and celebration of unique Noongar language and culture. Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company is a respected cultural leader, producing award-winning, world-class theatre and sharing Aboriginal stories through exciting, educational and authentic new works. Yirra Yaakin’s priority is to ensure Aboriginal theatre remains under Aboriginal control and provides creative opportunities for Aboriginal artists at all levels of theatre creation and production. Showcasing Aboriginal stories to audiences across the globe, their work has been recognised and honoured with awards for theatre, governance and their partnerships, including a prestigious Sidney Myer Award in recognition of their record of facilitating Indigenous artistic programs.

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