NGAIRE PIGRAM: TELLING STORIES THAT SHIFT HEARTS AND HONOUR CULTURE
BY CAMILIA SAMSON AND ASAD KHAN
From Broome to London, Sundance to stage, Yawuru and Wajarri artist Ngaire Pigram has carved a powerful creative path as an actor, dancer, singer, writer, and director — always grounded in story and culture.
Best known for their roles as Leonie in Mystery Road and Grace in Sweet As, Pigram said storytelling has always been their calling.
“Pretty sure it's the only thing I've ever wanted to do,” they said.
“I live in story land all the time.”
DRAWING ON FAMILY AND LIVED EXPERIENCE
Pigram’s breakout TV role in Mystery Road came with a deep sense of personal connection.
“The storyline was so similar to my experiences. There were so many aunties and sisters' energy that I found in that character,”
“I knew when I auditioned that I’d smashed it because I felt like my sister who I based that energy on.”
Their role in Sweet As came at the last minute, but Pigram said that’s part of the nature of the work.
“I’d do anything for the job, really,”
BEHIND THE CAMERA
Beyond acting, Pigram has a passion for writing and directing. They wrote and directed their first short film in 2014 and recently directed Yokai a new queer Nyoongar web series by Brooke Collard.
“It's funny, it's cute, and it's about time,”
“We had the most amazing cast. One was trained, one wasn’t. It’s mostly First Nations and just something really joyful.”
Pigram said they’ve always written stories and songs, drawing on moments of pain, love, and reflection.
THEATRE AS ACTIVISM
Through work with Marrugeku, Pigram has tackled big issues like climate change in productions such as Cut The Sky.
“Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people walk more carefully through this world, with empathy and love for Country and culture.”
“Marrugeku’s work is poignant. It always aims to contribute to a better society.”
BALANCING ART AND FAMILY
As a mum of two adult sons, Pigram credits their extended family for supporting her artistic journey, especially during the early years of parenting.
“My mob were very supportive. I had babies young but I said, ‘I’m still going to act,’ and they had my back.”
Now, the sons are encouraging her to go even harder.
“They keep telling me to stop worrying about them. They don’t watch much of my work though too many roles where I’m the bashed-up woman,”
“They want something happier.”
Pigram hopes their body of work will one day be part of what’s remembered as traditional storytelling.
“In 40 or 50 years, these stories will be seen as traditional, continuing our culture through what we’re creating now.”
As Pigram’s career continues to grow, one thing remains constant, a fierce commitment to stories that matter.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Camilia Samson speak with Ngaire Pigram: