Works of gods, blood and art
Marrugeku dance company is presenting the premiere of a trilogy of short works at Carriageworks in Sydney.
Called "Burrbgaja Yalirra 2", the production highlights trans-Indigenous and intercultural collaboration in contemporary dance. Curated by Marrugeku’s co-artistic directors Dalisa Pigram and Rachael Swain, the dance works conceived for "Burrbgaja Yalirra 2" are the result of a multi-year program of intensive dance laboratories which aim to build capacity in the next generation of leading change makers in community and culturally informed contemporary dance.
The commissioned works for "Burrbgaja Yalirra 2" include:
No New Gods, by Filipinx performance artist Bhenji Ra co-choreographed with Javanese-Australian choreographer Melanie Lane. This is a mesmerising solo set in the moments before, during and after a lunar eclipse. "Ra takes power, dominance and resistance as starting points to channel colonial histories, epic narratives, and flora and fauna of the Philippine archipelago," according to the promotional notes.
Bloodlines, a breathtaking duo by Broome-based Aboriginal (Kunjen) and Torres Strait Islander (Erub/Meriam) dancer Ses Bero and Nouméa-based Kanak/Ni Vanuatuan/Papua New Guinean dancer Stan Nalo. The work is co-created with Torres Strait Islander director Ghenoa Gela (of the Aubaith Clan of Wagadagam Tribe; Mualgal of Poid; Aragan Tribe to the West and Samsep Clan; Peidu Clan; and descendant of the Rebes Line and Tribe to the East) in collaboration with Anglo settler associate choreographer Miranda Wheen.
"Bloodlines acknowledges the brutal histories of slavery and forced transportation of South Sea Islanders by the British to eastern Australia from the 1860s."
The third work is Nyuju, by Fitzroy Crossing based Bunuba/Gooniyandi/Walmajarri/Wangkatjunka dancer and actor Emmanuel James Brown (EJB). It reflects on the extraordinary life of his great grandmother, senior Wangkatjungka artist Nyuju Stumpy Brown, who was amongst the last nomads to walk out of the great Sandy Desert. Nyuju’s paintings capture her tactile, gestural yearning for home. EJB’s captivating movement language and character work, co-devised with Yawuru/ Bardi choreographer Dalisa Pigram and Malay associate choreographer Zunnur Zhafirah, embodies generations of connection between dance, art and Country in the central Kimberley.
The trilogy is designed by Kanak French installation artist Nicolas Molé with music by Filipina Australian composer Corin Ileto and costume design by Matthew Stegh. Together they make intangible knowledges visible and audible to evoke new ways to belong in a changing world.
"Burrbgaja Yalirra 2" was co-commissioned by Carriageworks, Sydney, and PICA, Perth. It continues at Carriageworks until April 29 and moves to PICA from May 17-20.
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