Deeply moving performances, powerful dancing and authentic storytelling are the trademarks of any Bangarra Dance Theatre season, and none more so than the company’s new production, 'Lore'.
A dance technique forged from over 40,000 years of culture and infused with contemporary movement, Bangarra is a Wiradjuri word meaning 'to make fire'. Curated by Bangarra Artistic Director Stephen Page, 'Lore' features two brand-new works by three choreographers. The trio have drawn from their own stories and experiences to create these personal and heartfelt works, with themes of identity, inequality, climate change and sustainability. Both works are realistic in their portrayal of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but contain a hopeful and positive outlook for the future.
Acclaimed choreographer Frances Rings returns to the mainstage with 'Sheoak', a testimony to the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities today. Also known as The Grandmother Tree, a Sheoak is a symbol of shelter, medicine and protection. By lore it was a refuge, a portrait of hope, while the tree itself stands as a true witness to the changing lives of each new generation and a testimony to their birthright.
Complementing this piece is 'I.B.I.S', created jointly by crowd-pleasing Bangarra dancers Waangenga (Wawn-nee-ga) Blanco and Deborah Brown. Depicting colourful island life in their home, the Torres Strait Islands, this is the first live dance theatre work for the company by either dancer.
Embarking on a discovery of Australia’s tropical islands 'I.B.I.S' is a celebration of the resilience and optimism of the Torres Strait Islander people. Including Blanco and Brown, 7 of the company’s 16 dancers have Torres Strait Islander heritage. This will be the fourth work inspired by stories from this location in Bangarra’s repertoire.
Preparing for the performance, Waangenga Blanco highlights his 5 favourite dance Bangarra moves.
Waangenga BlancoKub kar
A traditional Torres Strait islander jump – light like a cat.Shake-a-leg
Opening and closing of the legs while in a sumo, second position quick and light like a butterfly.Pick up step/ stomp
A movement common to the northern Arnhem regions of N.T. Kinda like stepping on hot rocks, if you do it properly you can source power from the earth and it strengthens your legs.
Chest shimmy
This is basic mimickery of the kangaroo when they are trying to shake off insects, good for attracting mates on the dance floor.Grapevine
A universal step, originated from soul trains across America. Although adopted by rednecks across the world for square-dancing, it is still a go-to for some common ground on the dance floor!'Lore' plays Queensland Performing Arts Centre, 7-15 August.
