Although not strictly a dance production, WARU was inspired in part by the Turtle section of Stephen Page’s 2001 dance work Corroboree. But for their first children’s production, aimed specifically at children aged between 3 and 7 years, Bangarra Dance Theatre entrusted the roles of story-teller, singer and dancer to the charismatic Elma Kris, who never leaves the stage during the entire 45 minutes it takes to tell the story of Migi, an endangered green turtle.
Certainly, the majority of the children at this particular performance were within the specified age range and quickly fell under the spell of Kris’ leisurely storytelling, responding enthusiastically to her instructions on how to assist the lumbering turtle up the beach to lay her eggs.
Under Kris’s cheerful guidance they participated in hand-songs and play dances, learnt some authentic Torres Strait Island words and even helped her chase off a marauding lizard, to pass the time until the eggs hatched and it was time to help Kris shepherd the hatchlings back down the beach into the protective ocean.
They also learned that the ocean itself needed protection from the ugly plastic and rubbish being washed into it by careless humans, by which time a whole year had passed and Migi had returned and the whole process of helping her up the beach to lay her eggs was repeated and then that pesky lizard returned and Kris took advantage of an old panto trick to reduce her young audience to near hysterics by deliberately misunderstanding their screamed instructions. “Behind? Why? Everywhere’s behind! “.
As is expected from Bangarra Dance Theatre WARU is impeccably mounted. Jacob Nash has provided a beautiful starry environment for the story, and quite wonderful costumes for the green sea turtle Migi, and the marauding lizard, both portrayed by Abo Bero, who also joined Kris for a charming play dance Kasa Kab choreographed by Peggy Misi and Stephen Page.
An atmospheric soundscape, the work of Steve Francis and the late David Page, along with Matt Cox’s moody lighting design leant an agreeable mystical ambiance to the proceedings, except for the climax of the show, which left its young audience confused by ending with an abrupt extended blackout.
Despite being conceived as a vehicle to introduce young audiences to indigenous cultural folklore, WARU offers subtle insights into cultural practises and beliefs likely to intrigue and captivate audiences of any age.
Waru – journey of the small turtle
The Playhouse – Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, Canberra
Performance: Thursday 7 November 2024
Season continues to 9 November 2024
Bookings: www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au
For more information, visit: www.bangarra.com.au for details.
Image: Aba Bero as The Turtle and Elma Kris as The Storyteller – photo by Daniel Boud
Review: Bill Stephens OAM