Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia is set to launch a breathtaking, fully-immersive light and sound show at Ayers Rock Resort in May, the likes of which have not been seen before, combining ancient Anangu storytelling with state-of-the-art, drone, and laser light technology. To bring the Mala story to life on an impressive and visual scale, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia is consulting with Anangu who holds the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru.
Called Wintjiri Wiru – which suggests a ‘beautiful view out to the horizon’ in the local Anangu language – this will be the first time a light, laser, projection, and drone experience of this magnitude has been performed regularly anywhere in the world. Anangu has one of the oldest living continuous cultures in the world and has been the custodians of this Country and its many stories, keeping them strong, since the beginning of time.
The show will bring to life a chapter of the Mala ancestral story which sits between Kaltukatjara (Docker River) and Uluru. Voyages have consulted and collaborated closely with the Anangu custodians of this chapter of the Mala story to obtain approval to bring Wintjiri Wiru to life.
Designed and produced by world-renowned Media Architecture studio RAMUS, the Wintjiri Wiru experience will illuminate the Central Desert with a spectacle of lights, projections, and lasers shining on the spinifex and mulga, connecting the earth and sky to offer an expansive experience of light and sound in the presence of Uluru.
The depth of the story is revealed when more than 1,000 luminous drones take flight each night to lift the ancient images to the sky. Through exquisite choreography and visual artistry, the drones depict aspects of the Mala story accompanied by a narration in Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara languages, and a soundtrack with traditional inma recorded with members of the local Anangu community.
This Anangu consultation group has been involved in naming the experience, advising on the visuals, narrating the story in English, Pitjantjatjara, and Yankunytjatjara languages, and delivering the music – ensuring that every level of the experience is shared with respect and in line with Anangu cultural protocols.
Visitors will be able to view the show on a sustainably-built platform atop a desert dune with stunning panoramic views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta nestled on the horizon. Artwork from local Anangu artist and community member, Christine Brumby, has been cut into elements of the architectural steel separating the various seating levels of the platform and backlit for maximum impact.
Matthew Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages, said: “We are honoured that we can share the cultural importance of the Mala story with our guests, through such an illuminating and captivating experience in the spiritual heart of Australia. As custodians of the land and this part of the Mala story, the Anangu consultation group has carefully guided us on the Wintjiri Wiru experience, from conception to launch, to generously share their story with the world.”
“We are delighted to be working with RAMUS through their light installations, projections, lasers, and incredible drone technology, which coupled with the spine-tingling soundtrack of the Anangu inma, brings connection through a shared memorable experience. We hope the Wintjiri Wiru show will nourish visitors’ thirst for a deeper spiritual connection with this very special part of Australia.”
Two Wintjiri Wiru sound and light shows will run every night, from March until December (from 11 May in 2023), with one show a night operating in January and February.
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