This September, Bangarra Dance Theatre, will present the world premiere of their second work dedicated for primary-aged children, The Bogong’s Song: a call to Country – an exciting new creation by Bidjara choreographer and writer Yolande Brown and Thiithaarr Warra/Kaanju/Ayapathu writer Chenoa Deemal.
Featuring Benjin Maza and Tjilala Brown-Roberts, The Bogong’s Song blends storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance and song to tell the story of the Bogong moth, inviting young audiences to experience connection to Country, and to listen, reflect, and wonder.
This brand-new work will premiere at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in September as part of Brisbane Festival before flying over to Sydney for a season at Bangarra’s Studio Theatre in Walsh Bay in October.
When a brother and sister turn out the lights for the night, their Nan promises to tell them a story. Like the beating wings of the Bogong moth, her voice carries them into dreams, into an extraordinary world where Country shares its secrets. In this place, the past speaks through stars, trees, and grasses. Healing begins in the silence between breaths.
As Nan passes her knowledge to her grandchildren, we’re all invited to experience connection to Country. And as the children open their hearts to the stories of their ancestors, we discover that even the smallest creatures have a vital role to play.
“When we truly understand that we’re all connected – not just person to person, but across species, from animals to plants to trees – we’ll begin to see how to work with the wisdom held across the greater ecosystem” said Yolande Brown.
“When we do that, not only will people be healthier and happier, but the planet will be too. Like the Bogong moth, no matter how small you are, you can carry a big story and contribute to something extraordinary.”
Brown and Deemal’s warm-hearted story follows Bangarra’s first work for children, the award winning Waru – journey of the small turtle, which enthralled more than 25,000 youngsters last year.
Director, Co-Writer & Choreographer: Yolande Brown | Co-Writer & Provocateur: Chenoa Deemal | Featuring: Tjilala Brown-Roberts, Benjin Maza | Composer: Brendon Boney | Set and Costume Designer: Richard Roberts | Set Design Associate: Annaliese McCarthy | Lighting Designer: Ben Hughes | Lighting Design Associate: Eben Love | Video Designer: Justin Harrison | Cultural Consultants: Aunty Doris Paton, Arthur Little | Illustrator: Cheryl Davison | Puppet Design and Construction: Vanessa Ellis
The Bogong’s Song: a call to Country
Cremorne Theatre – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Season: 25 September – 4 October 2025
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
The Studio Theatre – Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (Sydney)
Season: 8 – 19 October 2025
Bookings: www.bangarra.com.au
For more information, visit: www.bangarra.com.au for details.
Image: Tjilala Brown-Roberts and Benjin Maza – photo by Daniel Boud