Season Overview
The fire of Bangarra continues to burn brightly - 20 years on
In 2009 Bangarra Dance Theatre celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a national and international program of electrifying and innovative contemporary dance.
Bangarra, meaning ‘to make fire' in traditional Wiradjeri language, was formed by an energetic and talented group of NAISDA graduates in 1989 and has evolved to become one of Australia’s leading contemporary dance companies, touring extensively to great acclaim throughout Australia, Europe, Asia and the USA.
Under the inspirational Artistic Direction of Stephen Page, Bangarra has strived to maintain the cultural integrity and spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tradition and combine it with contemporary expressions of dance and music to create unique, theatrical experiences; and to deliver these experiences to audiences across Australia and around the world.
In celebration of Bangarra’s 20th Anniversary milestone, Stephen Page creates a retrospective work entitled Fire – A Retrospective, featuring the most memorable and compelling elements of the company’s repertoire during its extraordinary 20-year journey.
Fire – A Retrospective will visit Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Newcastle and Wollongong from August to November. The tour includes a Reunion Night for all past performers and special friends of Bangarra and a Gala Performance evening at the Sydney Opera House.
In early 2009 Bangarra took their unique blend of spiritual and contemporary dance to the world and presented True Stories to Germany, Austria and Hungary, receiving standing ovations.
From the stages of Paris & London, New York and Ottawa, to the Sydney Opera House and the Arts Centre in Melbourne; from the Edinburgh Festival to the Olympic Games, Bangarra’s credits are as diverse and rich as the performances themselves.
“The enduring success of Bangarra has presented us with an incredible opportunity to share the stories and history of our Indigenous culture and to awaken peoples spiritual consciousness, not only with Australians but with people all over the world, it’s been such an amazing experience, learning from the elders and giving back to the younger generation, we feel so honoured to be entrusted with this custodial role” said Stephen Page.
Artists
Fire – A Retrospective
27 August – 26 September 2009
CONCEPT & DIRECTION: Stephen Page
SET DESIGN: Peter England
MUSIC DESIGN: David Page & Steve Francis
COSTUME DESIGN: Jennifer Irwin
Company Overview
Bangarra Dance Theatre is one of Australia’s most unique and innovative dance companies. Its living traditions go back at least 40,000 years but it also reflects the lives and attitudes of Aboriginal people today. The company blends traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture with international contemporary dance to create a truly Australian dance language.
Under the Artistic Direction of Stephen Page since 1991, Bangarra has thrilled audiences across Australia with electric, startling and inherently spiritual dance works of immense theatrical presence.
Bangarra’s influence has also resonated throughout the world, with the company earning a prominent place on the international touring circuit. A 16-city sell-out tour of the USA in 2001 established the company as a global dance phenomenon. In 2002 Bangarra appeared at the prestigious Monaco Dance Forum, in 2004 the company completed a return tour of the US, performing in New York and in Washington by special invitation and in 2005 Bangarra travelled to Japan and New Zealand. In 2006 Bangarra toured the UK, performing at London’s prestigious Sadler’s Wells theatre.
At the heart of Bangarra’s uniqueness is the company’s vision for a theatrical style that remains true to the Indigenous spirit.
Bangarra Dance Theatre
www.bangarra.com.au