A story told through dance becomes suspended in movement. It thrives in the kick and pull of muscle, the interaction of bodies eating space. In every culture, young and old, dance plays a crucial role – it is the place where stories are acted out, and yet the drama derives from pure passion rather than simulation. When the act of dancing embraces a traditional story the two inexplicably fuse to create a narrative where the body is tongue.
Bangarra Dance Theatre recognise this fusion. They will be bringing their unique language of dance to Perth and showcase two new dances as part of His Majesty’s Theatre’s 20th anniversary celebrations. The first, Emeret Lu (very old things), is choreographed by Elma Kris and examines the traditional lives of the people from the Torres Strait Islands. The second work, X300 – which is choreographed by award winning choreographer Frances Rings – explores the impact of atomic testing at Maralinga in the ’50s.
Artistic Director Stephen Page took some time out to chat to OUTinPerth about what audiences can expect from True Stories.
What role does Bangarra play in contemporary dance?
It is the unique blend of our own special Indigenous origins that make our contemporary dance stand apart from other dance company’s we have developed our own style of contemporary dance that has a spirituality that is so unique. Internationally we carry the flag for contemporary Indigenous culture alongside the visual artists that are making a name for themselves around the world. In Australia we are ‘caretakers’ of the stories passed to us from our ancestors.
We listen to our elders in the communities and gain insights into the stories of the past and we ask permission to bring these stories to the stage.
What is Emeret Lu based on and what is the significance of this story?
It literally translates as ‘Very Old Things’ it tells the traditional stories from the Torres Strait Islands , the ways of the spirit guides and the roles of women and men.
X300 is concerned with the nuclear testing at Maralinga… how does this issue translate to the stage?
The name of the test site at Maralinga was called X300. [This piece] tells the stories of the Indigenous peoples that were driven off the land as a result of these tests – they were completely forgotten about. The piece examines the different stages of the atomic blasts from the infected waterholes, to the contrast of White Australia down in Adelaide oblivious to what was going on in the outback, [to] the fact that the water turned to glass and that the land had become contaminated for new generations.
How do the different stage elements come together?
Costume and lighting is an integral part of our performances, but most importantly my brother David Page’s music is what weaves it all together. Without the collaboration with the music we could never bring interpret these stories into dance.
How have the shows been received?
They have been very well received. We have taken the show back to Mer Island in the Torres Strait to honour the elders whom let us share these stories. Also we have taken the show to Adelaide where ex-servicemen were invited to the show and wept openly, acknowledging they only thought of the affect on their own lives and that of their colleagues in the services and forgot about the Aboriginal people.
Bangarra Dance Theatre will appear at His Majesty’s Theatre for three performances only, one on Friday May 29 and two on Saturday May 30. www.bocsticketing.com.au
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
