Horizon

Horizon is a commanding double bill that intertwines cultural exploration and artistic expression. It opens with Kulka which is choreographed by Bangarra alum Sani Townson followed by the centrepiece, The Light Inside, a collaborative creation by Bangarra alum Deborah Brown and Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson. Together, these works navigate the quest for cultural and ancestral ties, examining themes of matriarchy, birth, and creation, connection to home, and the rich history of storytelling that defines Indigenous identities.

Kulka is a dazzling exemplar of contemporary dance, seamlessly merging traditional elements with modern sensibilities to create a truly captivating experience. It features extremely effective use of cannon, flow, and space. Delivering both dynamism and precision, the work is a vibrant showcase of inventive choreography and innovative staging. The use of an angled mirror and reflective stage floor adds a striking visual dimension, allowing the audience to experience the dance from multiple perspectives. Video designer David Bergman’s projections further enrich this experience, enhancing the interplay between the dancers and the visual elements. This integration of dance and digital media is executed with remarkable cleverness, contributing significantly to the overall impact of the performance. Kulka maintains an exhilarating pace from start to finish, ensuring every moment is engaging and full of energy. It’s a brilliant embodiment of contemporary dance at its finest—dynamic, inventive, and utterly engrossing.

The Light Inside stands as a testament to the profound storytelling potential inherent in dance. This work unfolds with a fluid, dream-like quality that effectively transports audiences into its evocative narrative. The choreography is a masterclass in both power and precision, blending expressive movements with heartfelt emotion.

The piece skilfully combines Indigenous and contemporary dance styles, creating a rich, multi-dimensional visual experience. Each movement is imbued with significance, and the seamless integration of these styles enhances the work’s emotional depth. The Light Inside emerges not only as a visual masterpiece but also as an immersive experience that invites audiences to deeply engage with its narrative and artistic vision.

Bangarra’s Horizon transcends mere choreography to offer a holistic and immersive theatrical experience. The work is elevated by the striking costumes designed by Clair Parker and Jennifer Irwin, which bring an additional layer of visual splendour. The moody interplay of shadows and lighting, crafted by Karen Norris, heightens the intensity and emotional depth of the performance, creating a rich atmospheric effect. Elizabeth Gadsby’s set design is both inventive and economical, delivering a backdrop that is as effective as it is imaginative.

The dancers are exceptional, showcasing astonishing control and energy, and demonstrating remarkable flexibility and emotional range. Their cohesive teamwork brings profound meaning to the work, as they express complex feelings that resonate beyond mere words. While it is challenging to highlight individual performers in such a uniformly talented ensemble, the standout contributions of Daniel Mateo, Kallum Goolagong, Lillian Banks, and Maddison Paluch on opening night in Meanjin are particularly memorable. Their performances, alongside the entire cast, underscore the collective artistry that makes this production another resounding success from Bangarra Dance Theatre.

Kitty Goodall

Photography by Daniel Boud