WHERE THE WATERS MEET
Across the waters that separate the Northern Territory and Taiwan, ancient cultures have long shared something deeper than geography.
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
IMAGE SAMUEL JAMES
A PROFOUND CONNECTION to land and sea. Stories carried through song. Knowledge passed between generations.
This Darwin Festival, those shared traditions come together in Gapu Ŋupan (Chasing the Rainbow), a contemporary performance born from five years of collaboration between Yolŋu artists from North-East Arnhem Land and the Indigenous Paiwan and Amis peoples of Taiwan.
Blending music, dance, storytelling, large-scale video and striking ceremonial costuming, the production invites audiences into a world where ancient traditions respond to one another, revealing remarkable parallels while celebrating their distinct identities.
Artistic Director and co-choreographer Rachael Wallis says, over time, she has built strong and trusting relationships which has allowed her creativity to unfold and flow.
“When recognising our shared struggles and beliefs, we acknowledge those of our ancestors and the importance of carrying these stories into the future. We create for our families, our peoples and our nations to survive.”
The title evokes the meeting of waters, a fitting metaphor for the creative exchange at the heart of the work. Rather than merging cultures into one, the performance honours each tradition individually, allowing them to flow alongside one another in a shared artistic journey.
Following its critically acclaimed world premiere at Asia TOPA in Melbourne in 2025, the production returns to the Territory, where many of its artistic relationships were first formed. Performances at Garma Festival and Darwin Festival mark a homecoming of sorts, bringing the work back to the communities, landscapes and cultural connections that inspired its creation.
Yet the story of Gapu Ŋupan began long before audiences saw it on stage. Its origins stretch back almost a decade through Artback NT's ongoing cultural exchange program with Indigenous artists in Taiwan. Since 2016, artists have travelled between Taiwan and the NT, spending time immersed in each other's communities.
One pivotal residency in 2018 brought together Central Australian artist Rachael Wallis and Taiwanese artist Sang Mei-Chuan. Their collaboration planted the seeds of what would eventually grow into Gapu Ŋupan, with further creative development unfolding over the next five years through workshops, residencies and conversations held across both countries.
“I hope audiences take away feelings of joy and empowerment. It’s the impact of different people coming together, truly connecting and creating works. I hope it provides insight into our cultures and more understanding for First Nations peoples and the knowledge we hold,” Wallis says.
The relationship between First Nations artists in the NT and Indigenous communities in Taiwan continues to deepen. Earlier this year, Artback NT led a delegation of First Nations arts and cultural leaders to Taiwan, strengthening partnerships and exploring future opportunities for artist residencies, touring and collaborative projects.
A reciprocal Taiwanese delegation travels to Darwin during Darwin Festival and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, continuing the exchange and experiencing Gapu Ŋupan together.
Gapu Ŋupan
WHEN WED 5 & THU 6 AUG 7PM
AT INPEX SUNSET STAGE
COST $25-$54
INFO darwinfestival.org.au
