Creative collaboration with siblings can be a tricky adventure. At times it can run the risk of being one-sided, but when it works, it works brilliantly.
Nowhere is the latter more evident than in the fraternal collaboration between David and Stephen Page, composer and Artistic Director / choreographer respectively for Australia’s leading indigenous dance company, Bangarra Dance Theatre.
‘Ever since we were kids we’ve had that creative imagination,’ eldest brother David Page told OUTinPerth in a recent interview.
‘We’ve always been off creating an imaginary world that’s a better place to be in.’
ID is one of those better worlds. Choreographed by Stephen Page, the dance piece challenges perceptions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity in popular culture.
It’s one of two new dance pieces that Bangarra are bringing to Perth at the end of this month as part of their Belong tour.
The other is About, a piece choreographed by principal dancer Elma Kris which explores the convergence of the four winds across the landscape.
‘It’s quite haunting and beautiful,’ Page said of Kris’ work. ‘We use a lot of natural elements in the piece. It’s a very mythical landscape work.’
Page’s soundtracks for both works embody the unique and intiruguing musical style he has become renowned for: a style that heavily references the heritage of his people yet forges it together and forward through new technologies.
‘I use a lot of traditional content, a lot traditional vocal and instrumentation. It’s a broad exploration of sound but I try to keep the tones quite earthy.
‘And working so closely with my brother, I get to push my own boundaries because of the respect we have for each other and what we make. We know each other so well that there isn’t that expectation of disappointment. There’s that trust there. That, along with respect, is what makes it work.’
Bangarra’s beauty lies in, ultimately, providing an insight into the traditional culture inherent in this land, reminding every Australian that this place is immense, yes, but mighty and magical too.
‘The landscape is powerful. Just look at a broken, run down building in an urban space and you’ll see that little piece of vegetation come through the cracks and take hold. It can take over a building and crush it.’
Belong appears at The State Theatre Centre of WA from August 25 – 28. Tickets are available now.
www.statetheatrecentrewa.com.au
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
