Choreographed
by Frances Rings – Composed by David Page
Set Design
by Jacob Nash – Costumes designed by Jennifer Irwin
Lighting
designed by Karen Norris
Canberra
Theatre 28th – 30th July 2022
Opening
night performance on 28th July reviewed by Bill Stephens
Revisiting
this beautiful work created by Frances Rings ten years ago to celebrate the handing
over of the land rights for Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre to the Arabunna people who
had been deeply connected to the lake over thousands of years, one was struck
by the realisation of how successfully, despite the changes in personnel over
the years, Bangarra Dance Theatre has retained its unique, instantly
recognisable, choreographic style.
In a series
of nine distinct sequences marked by changes of costume and scenic background, the
work, according to the program notes sets out to “explore the fundamental
connection between aboriginal people and the land – how we treat our land, how
we understand its spirit, and how we regard its future”.
The sequences
have titles such as Red Brick, Shields, Reborn, Spinifex, Salt, Scar, Landform,
Reflect and Deluge, and while it is not always clear how the choreography
represents these titles, the eye is continually pleasured by the succession of
mysterious, beautiful and ever-changing choreographic groupings skilfully
executed by the talented ensemble.
Among the more memorable sequences is one entitled “Spinifex”, in which the women perform gracefully in Jennifer Irwin’s remarkable textured costumes, topped by extraordinary headdresses fashioned from twigs burns itself into the psyche.
Another
entitled “Shields” performed by the male ensemble is imaginative and strongly
performed although how it represents the struggle for Land Rights and
Recognition is left to each individual to interpret.
As always
with Bangarra Dance Theatre presentations the production values and
performances were impeccable with exceptional design and presentation. No doubt
those audience members able to emerge themselves in the spirituality and significance
of the various sequences will find additional pleasure in the performance, but
for the rest “Terrain” remains a masterful choreographic homage to a unique and
beautiful piece of Australia.
Images by Daniel Boud
This review also published in AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW. www.arttsreview.com.au
