lore

Kyle Shilling with Bangarra ensemble photo by Edward MulvihillDeeply moving performances and authentic storytelling presented on stage by some of Australia’s best dancers are at the heart of lore – Bangarra’s brand-new work at Arts Centre Melbourne from 28 August 2015.

Artistic Director Stephen Page brings together three powerful and passionate Bangarra artists to choreograph this double-bill: award-winning Frances Rings is joined by emerging choreographic voices Deborah Brown and Waangenga Blanco.

From the enigmatic waters of the Torres Strait Islands to the deeply rooted inland trees in Australia, the trio draw a realistic portrayal of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In these heartfelt dance works, they explore themes of identity, inequality, climate change and sustainability with 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. A Sheoak, also known as The Grandmother Tree 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 birth right.

Complementing this piece is I.B.I.S, created jointly by crowd-pleasing Bangarra dancers, Waangenga 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. Seven of the company’s 16 dancers have Torres Strait Islander heritage, including Blanco and Brown. This will be the fourth work inspired by stories from this location in Bangarra’s repertoire.

“Our culture is so strong – night after night, our dancers and artists bring you their stories, passion, dedication and physicality to the stage,” says Stephen Page. “lore is about generations, and the passing on of knowledge from the young to the old, that’s our foundation song.”

Artistic Director: Stephen Page  Sheoak Choreography: Frances Rings  I.B.I.S Choreography: Deborah Brown & Waangenga Blanco  Music: David Page & Steve Francis  Set Design: Jacob Nash  Costume Design: Jennifer Irwin  Lighting Design: Karen Norris

lore
Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 28 August – 5 September 2015
Bookings: 1300 182 183 or online at: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

For more information, visit: www.bangarra.com.au for details.

Image: Kyle Shilling with Bangarra ensemble in I.B.I.S – photo by Edward Mulvihill