Bangarra Dance Theatre connects with tradition in Blak

Bangarra Dance Theatre is currently underway their most recent production, Blak – an edgy production, drawn from the artists’ urban perspective, telling the stories of Indigenous Australia in a work of dance theatre.

With Bangarra’s vision to respect and rekindle the links between traditional Indigenous cultures of Australia and new forms of contemporary artistic expression as inspiration, Blak seeks to astound its audience with a theme of community and culture through dance.

With the tour previously visiting Melbourne, the Australian Stage called Blak “gorgeous, celebratory and spiritual” and Stage Whispers extolled “the sparks of sexual tension fly as the ensemble reaches a spine tingling climax in celebration of traditional culture and knowledge”

The performance is set over three parts: Scar, Yearning and Keepers. Scar looks at the calling of tradition, rites of passage and issues of self-identity during the development of manhood. Yearning processes issues of femininity throughout life, including birth, language, initiation into womanhood and the extraordinary challenges associated with domestic violence. Finally, Keepers explores the legacy of elders and celebrates traditional culture and knowledge.

Notable as well is the involvement of celebrated music producer Paul Mac. Mostly known for his work in more ‘pop’ settings, Mac says of his involvement “Being able to experiment with sonics, rhythms and arrangements out of the straightjacket of pop music has been completely liberating.”

With the joint choreography of Daniel Riley McKinley and Stephen Page, the Bangarra Dance Theatre explore a number of taboo and controversial social themes and dilemmas in a thoroughly enjoyable artistic form.

Check out this brief introduction to the development of Blak:

What: Bangarra Dance Theatre – Blak

Where: Sydney Opera House

When: 13th June to 29th June

Info: Sydney Opera House website

For further info, download the Blak Online Program