Rural Utopias Residency: Spotlight on Nathan Gray’s Team

As a part of Rural Utopias, artists have the opportunity to work alongside many diverse artists to realise an ambitious series of public activations.

Wimiya Woodley is a Yindjibarndi emerging producer and multidisciplinary artist, who will be supporting artist Nathan Gray for Stage 2 of the Rural Utopias residency in Ieramagadu / Roebourne. Learn more about Wimiya below.

Wimiya grew up in a small town, camping and travelling his Yindjibarndi Ngurra (country) with Elders. He has a strong passion for culture and all art forms, including performance and dance.

“I am an Indigenous Australian that grew up in a small town. This is where I discovered the passion for performing. I have graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performance Arts. I have received a Certificate IV in Aboriginal Performance in 2020 and a Diploma, in Screen Performance in 2021.

During one course I did a short film for a grant which I wrote, starred and directed in. The film was successful, and we received the grant. I moved on to make a 10- minute film with the grant money. I wrote, co-stared and directed in. In 2022 I was given a role as a performer in the Musical —"Panawathi Girl" written by David Milroy and produced by Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company. It was shown at the His Majesty’s Theatre, as a 2022 Perth Festival show. I played the character Billy. I did a show called "Kangaroo Stew", written by Zac James, and produced by Desert Wirla. Shown at the Koorliny Arts Centre. I was in a production with Yirra Yaakin call "The Vignettes". I also did a show with the Western Australian Ballet, called "Swan Lake". This production of Swan Lake was a collaboration with the Nyoongar people of Boorloo (Perth). I recently just finished a short film name "Facing The Numbers" with a company called Garuwa. I am with an agency — Actors Management International. I am based in Sydney.”