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Bangarra Dance Theatre Bangarra Dance Theatre i(A65077 works by) (Organisation) assertion
Born: Established: 1989 Sydney, New South Wales, ;
Heritage: Aboriginal
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BiographyHistory

‘Bangarra is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation and one of Australia’s leading performing arts companies, widely acclaimed nationally and around the world for our powerful dancing, distinctive theatrical voice and utterly unique soundscapes, music and design.

'Led by Artistic Director Stephen Page, we are currently in our 30th year but our dance technique is forged from over 65,000 years of culture, embodied with contemporary movement. The company’s dancers are professionally trained, dynamic artists who represent the pinnacle of Australian dance. Each has a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background, from various locations across the country.

'Bangarra was birthed in 1989 from the energy of NAISDA (National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association) founder Carole Y Johnson, along with NAISDA graduates, and Rob Bryant and Cheryl Stone. That spark continues to animate the company today. 

'Our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are the heart of Bangarra, with our repertoire created on Country and stories gathered from respected community Elders.

'It’s this inherent connection to our land and people that makes Bangarra unique and enjoyed by audiences from remote Australian regional centres to New York.

'Bangarra’s annual program includes a national tour of a world premiere work, performed in Australia’s most iconic venues; a regional tour allowing audiences outside of capital cities the opportunity to experience Bangarra, and an international tour to maintain our global reputation for excellence.

'Complementing this touring roster are education programs, workshops and special performances and projects, planting the seeds for the next generation of performers and storytellers.

'Authentic storytelling, outstanding technique and deeply moving performances are Bangarra’s unique signature.’

Source: https://www.bangarra.com.au/about/company/ (Sighted 15/10/2019)

Most Referenced Works

Personal Awards

2020 recipient Australia Council Grants, Awards and Fellowships Government Programs Playing Australia     $273,180 
2018 recipient Australia Council Grants, Awards and Fellowships

Multi-Artform Playing Australia $360,837.00

2016 recipient Australia Council Grants, Awards and Fellowships Australia Council Literature Board Grants Multi-Artform Playing Australia $391,726.00

Awards for Works

Bennelong 2017 single work drama Indigenous story

'Bennelong is a dance theatre production that explores the story of Woollarawarre Bennelong (Bennilong, Baneelon) (c1764-1813), a Wangul man of the Eora nation who lived in the Port Jackson area at the time of the British first settlement. Today, Bennelong is one of the most celebrated and mythologised Aboriginal individuals from the days of early settlement. His wide notoriety is remarkable - not only for the stories about his interactions and relationships with the British, but for the amount of primary source material that refers to him in notebooks and diaries of several first fleet officers, as well as Governor Arthur Phillip himself.

'Bennelong’s story has been told and re-told many times over by historians, novelists and screenwriters, and his image has been depicted by artists from early times to the present in paintings, drawings and other media. Numerous geographical locations around Australia are named in his honour. Perhaps the most well-known ‘place’ name is Bennelong Point, where the iconic Sydney Opera House stands.

'Bangarra Dance Theatre’s unique telling of Bennelong’s story is imagined through the perspective of Bennelong himself as well as other Aboriginal people of the time. The work explores his personal character, his conflicts, his relationships, his community, and his standing within that community.

'Bangarra’s production of Bennelong is not a historical recount, nor is it a literal translation of events. The work looks between the lines and layers of the narrative that has gathered around this one man, and beyond the common perceptions that have prevailed in regard to Bennelong the man and his unique place in our post-colonial history.

'We are mindful that we look back to Bennelong’s time through the filter of our contemporary consciousness - what we know now is always superimposed over what we read about First Contact times and how we imagine the reality of those times.

'We hope to ignite audiences’ imaginations and focus their thoughts on the enormous impact brought to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through European settlement.'

Source: https://bangarra-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/pdf/e-Resources/Bangarra%20Dance%20Theatre_Bennelong_STUDY_GUIDE_compressed.pdf

2019 winner Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia Best Regional Touring Production
2018 winner Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia Best Choreography in a Dance or Physical Theatre Work
2018 nominated Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia Best Original Score
2018 winner Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia Best New Australian Work
2018 winner Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia Best Ballet or Dance Work
y separately published work icon Our Land People Stories 2016 9249960 2016 single work drama Indigenous story

'Our land people stories is a new contemporary dance work showcasing the endless choreographic talents of the company and the infinite stories of Australia’s cultural heritage.' (Source: Bangarra Dance Theatre website)

2018 winner Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia Best Regional Touring Production
Lore : Dance Stories of Land and Sea Sheoak; I.B.I.S.; Lore 2015 single work drama Indigenous story

'From the enigmatic waters of the Torres Strait Islands to the deeply rooted inland trees in Australia, the trio draw a realistic portrayal of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In these heartfelt dance works, they explore themes of identity, inequality, climate change and sustainability with a hopeful and positive outlook for the future.'

'Lore showcases Bangarra’s unique contemporary dance form with its compelling Australian storytelling expression – an unforgettable night at the theatre.' (Source: Bangarra website)

2016 nominated Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia Best New Australian Work
2016 nominated Helpmann Awards for Performing Arts in Australia Best Ballet or Dance Work
Last amended 20 Jun 2023 09:39:47
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