'Ochres is a work in four parts (plus a prologue) which explores the spiritual significance, the traditional uses and medicinal power of ochre, while also illustrating the essence of culture– its strength, its contemporary relevance and its power to heal and nurture.' (Source: Bangarra Dance Theatre website)
Four Parts include:
Yellow: I believe the landscape to be Mother. Its flowing rivers she cleanses in, the yellow ochre she dresses in, the sun and seasons she nourishes gathering, nesting and birthing along her travels.
Black: An ash storm has blown over, the call and pain of initiation can only be viewed from a distance ... Men's Business.
Red: Custom, Law and Values placed on the relationships between women and men who have been on a path of change since time began. In each of these relationships: the youth, the obsession, the poison, the pain, there is struggle.
White: At dawn Mother Earth yawns, her call engulfs the white ochre spirits to spiritually bathe them in preparation for the day's journey.
Performed at
Choregraphy: Stephen Page, Bernadette Walong-Sene
Music: David Page
Cultural Consultant: Djakapurra Munyarryun
Costume Designer: Jennifer Irwin
Lighting Design: Jo Mercurio
Production Company: Bangarra Dance Theatre Australia.
