'Intercultural dance company Marrugeku bring to life the buried, haunting story of Broome’s pearling industry, and the bond between Malay peoples and First Peoples of the Kimberley.
'Reflecting on early colonial times of racism, slavery and stolen children, Mutiara celebrates a deep connection that often led to love and lifelong companionship.
'Marrugeku’s Dalisa Pigram and Singaporeans Soultari Amin Farid and Zee Zunnur co-choreograph and perform, collaborating with Broome ex-pearl diver Ahmat Bin Fadal, visual artist Abdul-Rahman Abdullah on set design and sound by composer Safuan Johari.
'Mutiara’s dance language draws on diasporic connections, Southeast Asian martial art silat, and Yawuru and Minangkabau dance forms, to interrogate a hidden history.
'Bones speak, seas change, ancestral beings feud and deep beneath the surface the pearl diver yearns for home. Mutiara celebrates resilience, love and the strength of ancestors.'
Source: Sydney Festival.
Presented by Marrugeku at Sydney Festival, Everest Theatre (Seymour Centre), Chippendale, 19-21 Janaury 2024.
Choreography and Performers: Soultari Amin Farid, Dalisa Pigram and Zee Zunnur with Ahmat Bin Fadal.
Cultural dramaturg: Rachael Swain.
Composer and Sound Designer: Safuan Bin Johari.
Set Designer: Abdul -Rahman Abdullah.
Costume Designer: Zoë Atkinson.
Lighting Designer: Kelsey Lee.
Pearl-diving History and Malay Cultural Advisor, Silat Training: Ahmat Bin Fadal.
'Dance storytelling inspired by Broome’s pearling industry.'
'Dance storytelling inspired by Broome’s pearling industry.'