Bangarra in 2012

In 2012 Bangarra Dance Theatre continues its rich history of combining the traditional cultures and contemporary theatre to create dynamic and inspiring Australian theatrical experiences telling the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At the recent 2011 Deadly Awards Kathy Marika, Bangarra artist in residence and cultural consultant, received the coveted award for Dancer of the Year. This continues an award winning 2011 during which Bangarra received a Helpmann Award for best regional touring production for Mathinna, three Greenroom Awards for of earth & sky, Frances Rings received the Betty Pounder Award for Choreography for Artefact and Belong was voted best dance performance by the Alternative Media Group publications.

“Our three productions in 2012, in different ways explore the powerful relationship of land and sky, and their significance for Indigenous people and their cultures. A new work by Frances Rings will bring a female perspective and energy to our theatrical story-telling.” said Stephen Page, Artistic Director

In 2012 with over 117 performances and tours to remote and regional centres and capital cities nationally, Bangarra’s acclaimed performance program continues with the creation of two new works and the existing of earth & sky touring regionally through NSW and Western Australia. In each location through creative workshops, Bangarra’s performers are powerful role models for Indigenous young people.

Infinity - A Collaboration Australian Ballet 50th Anniversary Celebration Stephen Page leads a collaboration between Bangarra and the Australian Ballet with the creation of his new work Night Sky. For the first time The Australian Ballet will help tell a traditional indigenous story – that of the night skies of Arnhem Land, beginning with the first evening star. Premiering in Melbourne in February and Sydney in April the program then heads to New York for its international debut.

Terrain – National Tour Bangarra Dance Theatre presents Terrain, a new work by celebrated choreographer Frances Rings. Inspired by the landscape of one of Australia’s greatest natural wonders this work explores the metamorphosis and timeless beauty that is Lake Eyre. Premiering in Melbourne in June and then touring nationally to Sydney, Wollongong, Adelaide, Canberra and Brisbane.

of earth & sky – Regional Tour The award winning of earth & sky is at Glen St Theatre March April and then tours through NSW and Western Australia from October to December. Commissioned by Stephen Page in 2010 this program features Artefact by Frances Rings - inspired by Indigenous customs and symbols of ancient and modern rituals that hold spiritual meaning and connection to place and Riley by Daniel Riley McKinley, a celebration of the life of Aboriginal photographer and filmmaker, the late Michael Riley, and his internationally acclaimed Cloud series photographs.

Image: Terrain. Photographer: Jeff Busby.

www.bangarra.com.au

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