Bangarra Dance Theatre's Lore @ QPAC Review

Artistic Director Stephen Page brings together three of Bangarra’s most experienced artists to choreograph this double-bill.

The award-winning Frances Rings is joined by emerging talents Deborah Brown and Waangenga Blanco, who make their transition from dancers to choreographers in this bold new work – 'Lore'.

The first act 'I.B.I.S' is a fun and astonishingly inventive piece that takes us inside the local store – run by the Island Board Of Industry & Services (I.B.I.S). In this imaginary retail world the customers gather to sing and dance in celebration of the day. They chant, flirt and bang sardine tins together in a tribal lovefest that is quite euphoric.

'I.B.I.S' © Jeff Tan

At night the food that fills the freezer shelves comes to life and the women emerge as turtle and crayfish – their movements slow and sinuous – evocative of the creatures they represent. With their bodies flattened against the cold, glass doors, they move in unison to Steve Francis’ sound track which is rich in island musical traditions.

The result is a joyful piece brimming with confidence and a sense of purpose. And while the ensemble work is spellbinding, it is senior dancer Elma Kris who steals the show with her solo performance in 'Rising Water'.

The second act 'Sheoak' is starkly different and choreographed by Frances Rings – already well-known to Bangarra audiences with seven works under her belt. Like previous pieces 'Sheoak' is informed and inspired by Rings’ connection to the land and is laden with symbolism. The endangered Sheoak is presented as a symbol of Indigenous culture as well as a source of tools, medicine, food and shelter.

'I.B.I.S' © Edward Mulvihill

This powerful and emotionally charged piece is backed by David Page’s extraordinary score which has such affinity with the choreography it is as if the two were born together. But when you discover that Frances and David are siblings this affinity is easily explained.

Jacob Nash’s stripped-back design combined with Karen Norris’ subtle lighting has much to do with the success of 'Lore' – with the two technicians capturing the essence of Island life. There are exquisitely beautiful moments – sensuous moments – like the dancing cloth that appears in 'Sheoak' – a floating sheet of illuminated fabric that moves effortlessly and magically as if possessed.

'Sheoak' © Edward Mulvihill

With 'Lore', Bangarra has again demonstrated it is at the cutting edge of contemporary dance and once again Stephen Page has proved himself to be an outstanding Artistic Director with the capacity to nurture and grow the talent that he has at his fingertips.

Bangarra’s dancers are second to none and their work remains relevant and topical – giving us a glimpse into the lives of our indigenous peoples. But more importantly their work speaks to a wider audience – well beyond the confines of our cultural halls. It is storytelling at its finest and it deserves your attention.

'Lore' plays Queensland Performing Arts Centre until 15 August.