Injured Ninja: The Epic of Gilgamesh Live @ Strange Fest 2024
Injured Ninja was honourably asked to bring The Epic to the centre of the City of Perth for the opening and closing events of Strange Festival 2024.
Beginning with the procession of Enkidu, moving with the giant sculpture through the streets of Perth, which was then positioned in the centre of Forest Place for the duration of the festival, we returned 10 days later to set the sculpture alight with a huge performance of the Epic with a massive cast of drummers and crowd of thousands.
By far and above the most incredibly realised version of Gilgamesh yet, we were so thankful to Strange Fest and the City of Perth for allowing this to heppen, which was a fitting tribute to our beloved band member and close friend Jacob Fry, who passed away shortly before the performance.
FUCK THE KING!
The Procession of Enkidu - Video Highlights
The Epic of Gilgamesh Live - Video Highlights
Press Release
Opening Night - The Epic of Gilgamesh - The Precession of Enkidu
To kick off Strange 2024, a procession of drummers will carry the feature of INJURED NINJA’s ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’ closing night performance: a sculpture depicting Enkidu, the legendary companion of Gilgamesh, through the bustling streets of Perth. Weaving their way through the city, accompanied by a haunting soundtrack of Mesopotamian lore and rambunctious drums, we will pay homage as he is carried to rest in the beating heart of Perth city, Forest Place, where Enkidu will be ceremoniously placed in anticipation of the festival's closing event. The city will be transformed into a mythical realm, setting the stage for an epic finale that promises to be nothing short of legendary.
Enkidu will remain in place throughout Strange 2024 so the public can make offerings and pay homage to this fallen hero before his immolation during the live performance of ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’ on closing night.
Closing Night - Injured Ninja presents: The Epic of Gilgamesh - LIVE!
Hear me! Great sons of Uruk. I weep for Enkidu.
What is this sleep that holds you now?
You are lost in the dark, and cannot hear me.
There is an echo through all the country–
like a mother, mourning.
CALL FOR DRUMS!
Prepare to be swept away by the raw, primal energy of 'Noise-Punk' sensation INJURED NINJA and an orchestra of Perth's most talented musicians as their performance of ancient literary legend ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’ will immerse you in a world of sound and myth, featuring multiple drum kits and a fleet of percussionists that will fill the air with pulsating rhythms.
Step into the heart of Perth city as Forest Chase transforms into a realm of myth and music on the closing night of STRANGE 2024! We invite you to witness a spectacle like no other as we pay homage to Enkidu, the companion of the God-King, with a celebratory funeral pyre. GILGAMESH brings together artists and members from renowned bands like TANGLED THOUGHTS OF LEAVING, MATHAS, SELFLESS ORCHESTRA, USURPER OF MODERN MEDICINE, and many more, showcasing the best of Perth's musical talent. Don't miss this extraordinary event as we celebrate life, music, and myth in a symphony of unforgettable proportions.
CALL FOR DRUMS! This is an immersive and interactive performance. Dress up in your best post-apocalyptic garb and bring something to BANG and join in the percussive fury of GILGAMESH!
About INJURED NINJA
Boorloo’s noisiest boys Injured Ninja have been antagonising live music spaces and helping build creative communities since 2007. From SXSW in 2011 to Dark Mofo in 2021, Injured Ninja remain unapologetically loud and unable to die, bringing to both tiny venues and major arts festivals alike their own unique brand of sonic annihilation, surrealist humour and multidisciplinary, multi-media live performance.
About Injured Ninja’s THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH
Swallowing audiences in waves of percussion, distortion and festival-worthy bass, and featuring an all-star lineup of Australian musicians, The Epic of Gilgamesh is a project deeply immersed in themes of climate change, and an experiment in community building through music and performance, offering participants a chance to grieve and rage at what we’ve lost, and celebrate the things in our world still worth fighting for.
CREDITS
Directed and Created by INJURED NINJA
Steven Alyian, Dominic Pearce, Matthew Bairstow
Production Team
Glenn & Jess Watson - Strange Fest
Kelly Penny - Event Management
Hana Priest - Fire / Pyrotechnics
James Hastings - Enkidu Throne Build
Xavier Turisni - Enkidu Creature Build
Emiele Smith - Makeup / Costumes
Elusive Reality - Projections / Lasers
Arran O’Mara - Sound Engineer
Supporting Musicians - Core Band
Thomas Matheison - The Sayer
JC Victorson - Drumkit
Gracie Smith - Drumkit
Nikki Dagostino - Keys
Yann Vissac - Synths / Bass
Oscar Harris - Drum Leader
LIam Young - Drum Leader
Cara Grace Teusner-Gartland - Drum Leader
Marcus John / Splodge - The Seer
Kelly Penny - The Crone
& Many thanks to all the support drummers who enlisted and became part of the show!!!
Photo Credits
Deric Martin, Adrian Thompson, Brad Coleman, Tashi May, Gisselle Natassia