The First Astronomers

Under the night sky, two worlds collide in this fascinating, very special and singular performance where scientific theory meets traditional belief.

Enchanting and interactive, two great characters — senior custodian of the Wardaman people, Bill Yidumduma Harney, and UK-born and educated CSIRO astrophysicist Ray Norris — explore their separate, yet hauntingly similar notions of the question: who were the first astronomers? They provoke theories, unravel mysteries and bust myths with humour, charisma and years of experience.

Like music and art, astronomy can build a strong bridge of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians — we all share the same sky.

Directed by Alex Galeazzi, The First Astronomers played to sellout audiences at the 2009 Darwin Festival.

Watch the video from this event

Listen to a radio piece on this event recorded by The Wire.

In association with the Darwin Festival.