LIGHT MOVES

An iridescent new production by Bangarra Dance Theatre takes audiences on a journey into light, exploring this central life force and its cultural significance to First Nations people through an immersive combination of music, dance, and visual art.

WORDS RITA HORANYI

A COLLABORATION BETWEEN Mirning choreographer Frances Rings and Goolarrgon Bard visual artist Darrell Sibosado, Illume transports audiences to Sibosado’s Country, Bardi Jawi land, located on the Dampier Peninsula on the West coast of the Kimberly. Home to deep red pindan cliffs, turquoise seas, brilliant white sands, and iridescent mother-of-pearl shells, the play of light is everywhere in this beautiful part of the world.

But light is more than just a physical phenomenon to be observed. It is intimately connected to kinship relations, to caring for Country and to the spiritual realm, all of which is embedded in the stories and knowledge of the Goolarrgon Bard people. These stories and this worldview form the heart of Illume, which also explores the ongoing impacts of colonisation, climate change, and light pollution on the Goolarrgon People’s connection to Country and culture.

For Arabana and Gurindji dancer Eli Clarke, who grew up in Mparntwe/Alice Springs and joined Bangarra Dance Theatre this year, delving into these stories has been an enriching experience.

“What I love about Bangarra is ... as a collective, we really delve into the stories and the concepts, and it’s a space of development and exploring and finding the meaning and story behind these ideas.”

Clarke saw Bangarra Dance Theatre when they toured to the Red Centre and offered workshops in the town. Having the opportunity to see Aboriginal performers in a professional production, and to learn from them, inspired him to dream big.

Now, as a member of the prestigious dance troupe himself, Clarke feels he has come full circle, giving back to the community by running workshops and performing on tour to the Northern Territory.

“Teaching workshops, I find really special – to inspire the next generation, but also to represent my people and my culture and represent the Northern Territory within the company.”

For Clarke, being part of this unique, multi-faceted production has been a privilege.

“This has been an unreal first mainstage show with Bangarra ... it’s unlike anything I’ve done or seen before, with a dance show encapsulated, surrounded by light. It’s such an immersive show ... It’s a very beautiful set and costumes and lighting design, which not only complement the dancing, but the dancing complements the creative [elements] and Darrell’s artwork.”

With the different elements of the show – costume, set, lighting design, artwork, choreography, and sound design – all working seamlessly together to convey Goolarrgon Bard symbology and knowledge, Illume brings ancient storytelling to life in innovative new forms, creating a rare theatrical experience not to be missed.

Illume | Bangarra Dance Theatre
WHEN FRI 15 & SAT 16 AUG | 7.30PM
AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $15-$60
INFO yourcentre.com.au

_{Thumbnail & header image: Daniel Boud. Inset: Eli Clarke. Photo: Isa Sanchez}