Dreamcast and Ngarluma Light Up Honiara with Cultural Performances
BY DESMOND RAHE
Dreamcast Theatre from the Solomon Islands and Ngarluma Cultural Artists from the Pilbara region in Australia came together at the Dreamcast Hub in Koloale, Honiara, to celebrate culture, music, and storytelling.
The event held on August 9th, 2025, was free and open to the public. Families, friends, and media representatives from both Australia and the Solomon Islands gathered to witness the unique cultural exchange between the two groups.
The performances blended traditional and contemporary storytelling through song and music, highlighting the shared values and histories of the First Nations people of Australia and local Solomon Islander communities.
“This event is about more than just performance. It’s about connection – our shared stories, respect, and the ties between our people,” said one of the Dreamcast performers during the opening remarks.
Dreamcast Theatre is the leading youth theatre company in the Solomon Islands, allowing young actors, photographers, artists, and other creatives a space to showcase and develop their passions while pushing for social change through advocacy on social issues
Samuel Cox, Second Secretary from the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands, also spoke at the event.
“Our two cultures are based on respect and a long-standing, deep connection,” Cox said. “We are really proud to be the major sponsor of this event. It shows a new way of doing diplomacy—through art and culture.”
He highlighted the significance of the Ngarluma people and their homeland in the Pilbara, which is home to one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to see the work of Big hART from Western Australia, together with the local Dreamcast team,” Cox added. “Thank you all for coming and witnessing these powerful performances.”
The Ngarluma are an Indigenous Australian people of the western Pilbara area of northwest Australia.
