Southern Edge Arts
Circus - Theatre - Community
Championing the creativity of young people in the Great Southern for over 35 years
KAARLA WIRREN (Fire Spirit)
THE STORY OF KAARLA WIRREN
The vision of Elder Aunty Carol Pettersen and led by Noongar Associate Director Rachael Colmer, KAARLA WIRREN (Fire Spirit) invites audiences into a story shaped by culture, resilience, and the deep significance of fire.
Kaarla Wirren is the fire spirit — a force of warmth, protection, renewal and connection to land stewardship and ceremony.
Across all of humanity, fire has been a place of meeting.
Audiences are invited to picnic under a canopy of stars at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station as we witness the KAARLA WIRREN fire spirit and reflect on the resilience of people and country through a time of historic change — honouring the past, acknowledging the present, and imagining our shared future.
A truly unique experience.
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
KAARLA WIRREN is a performance like no other.
Created over six months with local young people, this large-scale work brings together fire artists, dancers, movers and storytellers in a powerful celebration of culture, community and shared experiences.
Bring a rug or a low chair -- and settle in for an unforgettable night. BYO picnic - this is an alcohol-free outdoor event.
EVENT DETAILS
Date
Saturday 16 May 2026
Location
Amphitheatre, Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
Gates open
5pm
Performance Begins
6pm
Tickets
This is a FREE event
What to Bring
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Rug or low chair
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Warm clothing
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BYO picnic (no food is available onsite)
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This is an alcohol-free outdoor event
Accessibility
The amphitheatre includes accessible pathways and seating areas.
For specific access needs, please email seamail@southernedge.org.au.
THE CREATIVE VISION
KAARLA WIRREN is guided by the cultural leadership of Elder Aunty Carol Pettersen, whose vision shapes the heart of this performance.
Working alongside her is Noongar Associate Director Rachael Colmer, ensuring cultural integrity, the engagement of a diverse array of young people, and a creative process grounded in respect and community connection.
This work is a collaboration between fire artists, Southern Edge Art and young people from across Albany and the Great Southern — a bridge between generations, cultures, and stories.
You can be a part of the performance!
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT & WORKSHOPS
Young people aged 12–27 are invited to be part of the creation of KAARLA WIRREN through workshops in:
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Dance & Theatre
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Circus Arts
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Fire Arts
Participation is free, with a $20 SEA membership required for insurance.
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
KAARLA WIRREN is more than a performance — it is a celebration of the vibrant Albany and Great Southern youth performing arts community.
It is a rare opportunity to witness a large‑scale Noongar‑led performance, shaped by young people and grounded in cultural knowledge.
It strengthens community connection, honours shared stories, and offers a unique fire performance experience in the Great Southern region.
This is a moment for Albany — a gathering of spirit, culture, and future.
Join us around the fire. Be part of this unforgettable night.
OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
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