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Badu Gili LIVE

12 May - 8 September 2023

Monumental Steps and Podium Level


Due to high winds, Badu Gili LIVE will not be proceeding tonight, Friday 8 September.

Gather from sunset for a free outdoor event that will transform the Opera House’s Monumental Steps into a festival that celebrates First Nations music, art and food.

On the second Friday night of each month from 12 May to 8 September*, First Nations performers transform the dramatic steps leading up to the iconic building into their stage at sunset, with the Badu Gili projections lighting up the sails before and after each performance. 

The series will begin on 12 May with the opening night performance from blissed-out electro duo, Bow and Arrow. 

*In June, Badu Gili LIVE will run on the last Friday of the month. Check dates and times for exact details. 

Celebration of music, art and food

Join us under the stars for live music performances from emerging First Nations artists Bow and Arrow, Tessa Thames, Microwave Jenny, Blanche and Dyagula, on the 2nd Friday night of each month from 12 May to 8 September*.

See the eastern Bennelong sails of the Opera House illuminated with our 2017, 2018 and 2021 animations depicting ancient and contemporary Aboriginal stories. Named Badu Gili, which means “water light” in Gadigal language, the installation brings First Nations stories and culture to life.

A pop-up bar will be available serving First Nations inspire food and drink to enjoy whilst watching the performance and sails projections. 

Badu Gili has been enabled by the Opera House, its Idealist donors and the Australia Council for the Arts since 2017.

Badu Gili: wonder women art projects on the sails of Sydney opera house.

This project is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Culture Up Late initiative

Discover the line-up

Badu Gili: wonder women art projects on the sails of Sydney opera house.

Other information

Visiting the Opera House

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An aerial view of the Sydney opera house.

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