The Marruk Project is a First Nations multi-award-winning, community-engaged theatre collective. Between 2009 and 2017, Marruk delivered projects that engaged hundreds of First Nations Elders, young people, cultural leaders, artists, and community members. These projects created a platform for cultural sharing, building supportive networks, and providing a safe space for young people to learn, express, and celebrate their culture.
In 2018, Marruk ceased operations. Then in 2023, one of its former youth participants, Bayden Clayton, now in his late 20s, developed the idea for a new project and secured funding to bring it to life.
With support from Swan Hill Rural City Council, the Marruk Project was identified as a local ‘node of capacity’ for RAV to support. North West Regional Manager, Angela Frost, supported founding members Bayden Clayton, Cree Clayton, Cianna Chaplin, Cain Chaplin, Jharrad Simpson, and Imparja Pettit to form a leadership team and drive the project development. The Marruk Project developed a strategic plan to ensure a strong foundation and nurture the leadership team’s skills, re-establishing Marruk’s operations and sustainability into the future.
Extensive consultations with over 50 First Nations Elders, cultural leaders, and organisations revealed a critical need for Marruk’s revival in response to the alarming rise in teen violence, drug use, criminal behavior and mental health post-COVID lockdowns, isolation, and increased online activity. The collective feedback underscored the community’s strong desire to reignite Marruk and implement ongoing, sustainable projects to support youth well-being. The support was remarkable, and the community’s passionate commitment to youth was both obvious and powerful.
“We need Marruk again; nothing else can do what Marruk does. Our young people need it more than ever. It engages them with their Elders, their culture, raises their self-esteem, links them into supportive networks, and, honestly, it has saved lives. If you get anything done, let it be Marruk.”
— Aunty Debra Chaplin, Swan Hill Elder / Community Liaison, Swan Hill District Hospital
Imparja Pettit and Jharrad Simpson led the development of the concept for a new play, designed to address the community’s concerns for young people through a dynamic and engaging theatrical experience. Initially made as a two-hander show and performed by Jharrad and Imparja, the play follows a teenage boy’s journey for cultural knowledge and connection. It blends live music—didgeridoo, vocals, and guitar—cultural dance, and storytelling to explore identity and belonging.
The show will be performed as a two-hander by Jharrad and Imparja, providing an engaging, funny, and powerful experience for young people and the community. Following the performance, through workshops and rehearsals, audience members will be woven into the show as dancers and actors, contributing to crowd scenes and playing additional characters.
The play is designed to expand and contract. Growing from two performers to include hundreds of community members, it will create a unique, collective experience to unite participants. The Marruk Project aim for the work to be a vehicle for creating understanding and trust between participants, celebrating culture and using the power of storytelling and collaboration to inspire young people and their communities.
RAV supported the leadership team to create a comprehensive plan for 2025, outlining roles for 13 creatives and develop detailed documentation of the Marruk Project’s cultural framework, strategic objectives, and operational strategies. Additionally, eight strategic partnerships were secured, including with the Youth Services, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Go North Arts Festival, Swan Hill Town Hall, and Ilbijerri Theatre Company.
Cianna Chaplin took on the role of Project Manager, with mentorship from Stephanie Clarke, while Jharrad Simpson and Imparja Pettit stepped into the position of Lead Artists, guided by the expertise of Richard J. Frankland. Professional grant writer Hannah Schneider was brought onboard to secure funds for 2025 project delivery while mentoring Bayden Clayton and Cianna Chaplin in fundraising.
Professional development opportunities for the founding leadership team took Cianna Chaplin, Jharrad Simpson and Imparja Pettit to Melbourne, where they saw three Ilbijerri shows as part of Blak In The Room, worked with artists from Full-On Theatre, and participated in rehearsals for their show Awkward, as well as joining in a band rehearsal with Richard J. Frankland and Brad Brown.
“That trip to Melbourne was just mind-blowing. I learned so much, met so many people, and got so inspired. Ange knows exactly what we need to build the skills and confidence to get Marruk up again and make the new show, not doing it for us, but involving us in every step of the process so we can all learn how to do this too.”
— Jharrad Simpson, Lead Artist
Through these collective efforts, the Marruk Project is poised to reignite a vital space where First Nations youth can come together, share their cultural knowledge, and develop their artistic skills, all while being respected and feeling valued. It will create a ripple effect that plays a crucial role in reducing racism, creating understanding, strengthening entire communities, inspiring future generations.
“I grew up in Marruk. For me, it was my safe place, my special place where I got to learn about my culture, make amazing theatre, become a leader, and make my Elders and community proud. This generation of young people needs it, and we all want to make sure Marruk is here for our kids.”
— Cianna Chaplin, Project Manager
Image: 2024 Imparja Pettit, The Marruk Project
Posted 18 April 2025