THE world famous Bangarra Dance Theatre has embarked on its most extensive tour of Australia, which includes a performance at Greater Dandenong’s Drum Theatre.
The stunning double bill entitled Clan features two works (Unaipon and Rations) created by award-winning choreographer Frances Rings.
Unaipon (pronounced You-nigh-pon) is inspired by the extraordinary passion and genius of Aboriginal inventor, writer and philosopher David Unaipon.
As a passionate scholar of theology and philosophy, Unaipon argued that Aboriginal traditions should be considered equal to those of all the great cultures of the world.
Rings said most Australians recognised Unaipon’s face from the Australian $50 note but knew little about the extraordinary man.
Rations explores mission and station life in colonial Australia, depicting a remarkable history of struggle and survival. The work was Rings’ stunning choreographic debut for Bangarra, first performed in 2002 as part of the company’s production Walkabout. It went on to win two coveted Helpmann awards for Best New Australian Work and Score.
Clan will be performed by Bangarra’s full ensemble of 12 dancers.
Bangarra Dance Theatre presents Clan will perform at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre on Tuesday 23 October at 8pm.
Call the Drum Box Office on 9771 6666 to book.
Adelaide-born Rings is a descendant of the Kokatha Tribe and is also of German descent. She first joined Bangarra in 1993 and has been an integral part of Bangarra’s growth into Australia’s premier indigenous performing arts company. She has also studied dance in New York, was a presenter on SBS television and played a leading role in the feature film The Widower.
Bangarra Dance Theatre is one of Australia’s most unique and innovative dance companies. Its living traditions go back at least 40,000 years but it also reflects the lives and attitudes of indigenous people today.
The company blends traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture with international contemporary dance to create dance-theatre that is breathtakingly beautiful, spiritually moving and truly exciting to audiences everywhere.
