Exploring the connection between Aboriginal people and the land
Published on 16 January 2017
Sunraysia audiences will be provided with a striking stage performance at the Mildura Arts Centre next month exploring the fundamental connection between Aboriginal people and the land.
Bangarra Dance Theatre will visit Mildura for one show only on 18 February as part of the fourth remount of its widely acclaimed work, Terrain: A hymn to country.
Choreographed in 2012 by Francis Rings, Terrain originated on Arabunna land, in South Australia, and will transport Sunraysia audiences to the arid desert plains of Lake Eyre.
Exploring the timeless beauty of Lake Eyre, the powerful contemporary choreography in Terrain explores the struggle between man and environment within Australia’s plentiful but delicate landscape. The music was composed by David Page, with set designs by Jacob Nash, costumes by Jennifer Irwin and lighting by Karen Norris.
While Bangarra’s 16-member dance ensemble comprises performers from various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander regions of Australia, one of the company’s artists, Jasmin Sheppard, hails from Frankston in Victoria.
Sheppard perused dance training at The Dance Factory in Melbourne’s suburb of Richmond, before commencing a two-year period of further study in Contemporary Dance at the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) Dance College.
Regional touring is a crucial part of the company’s annual calendar, nurturing and forging new relationships with the people and communities that inspire Bangarra’s stories.
Mildura Rural City Councillor for Arts and Culture Jason Modica said Terrain: A hymn to country was particularly relevant to Sunraysia.
“Given our region’s rich Aboriginal heritage and culture, and more recently the need to balance the use and protection of our natural landscape, I think Terrain: A hymn to country will really resonate with Sunraysia audiences,” Cr Modica said.
Bangarra’s Artistic Director Stephen Page said the regional tour is a crucial aspect of Bangarra’s evolution.
“Touring regionally is an invigorating time for us and we look forward to sharing this work with communities in regional Victoria and Hobart,” Stephen said.
“Terrain reveals the transformative power of the landscape and is a beautiful example of Frances’ evocative dance vocabulary.
“A special thanks to Reg Dodd, his family and the Arabunna community who shared their stories and inspired Frances’ creative journey.”
After its world premiere season in 2012, Terrain went on to win two Helpmann Awards for Best Ballet/Dance Work and Best Female Dancer in a Dance or Physical Theatre Work for dancer Deborah Brown.
Tickets are now available at http://milduraartscentre.com.au/Whats-On/SHOWS/Terrain.aspx
Terrain: A hymn to country
Saturday 18 February, 2017
Mildura Arts Centre
For more information please contact Helen Piscioneri at Mildura Arts Centre at helen.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au or on (03) 5018 8330.