Dance stories
inspired by Bruce Pascoe’s ‘Dark Emu, Black Seeds: agriculture or accident?’
Artistic Director:
Stephen Page
Choreographers:
Stephen Page, Daniel Riley, Yolande Brown and the dancers of Bangarra Dance Theatre
Composer: Steve Francis
Canberra Theatre to
28 July
Reviewed by Len Power
26 July 2018
Bruce Pascoe’s 2014 book ‘Dark Emu, Black Seeds: agriculture
or accident?’ was an excellent basis for Bangarra Dance Theatre’s new
production, ‘Dark Emu’. The book’s
intention was to disprove the long-held and convenient myth that Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples were only nomadic hunter-gatherers before European
colonisation.
The depiction of sophisticated farming and fishing practices
and the stories of harmonious exchange and respect and of working in sympathy
with the seasons, ultimately interrupted by the coming of the Europeans,
provides a dramatic basis for a highly memorable dance work.
The seamless choreography by Stephen Page, Daniel Riley,
Yolande Brown and the company’s dancers is an exploration of the relationships
between the sky and earth, the land and the seasons, the animals, plants and
people as well as the rituals and ceremonies that are in step with the pulse of
the land. The dramatic structure of the
work and the flow from one segment to another is clear in detail and intention
and is hauntingly beautiful and involving.
The company of dancers perform the work with great precision
and skill but there’s also an individuality of character clearly evident as you
watch them perform. Focus on any dancer
through a sequence and you can see that they are displaying a strong commitment
to the message of the work in their dancing.
Production values are very high. From the opening scene with its cave-like illusion
of depth and continuing through the various segments, the set design by Jacob
Nash is successful in conveying a vast visual world for this saga of time and culture. The excellent and intricate lighting design
by Sian James-Holland complements the setting with the colour and light of the
landscape depicted.
 |
| Beau Dean Riley-Smith and dancers |
The music composed and performed by Steve Francis is a
fabulous soundscape that weaves in songs and poetry, much of it spoken or sung
by members of the company. It gives the
production a highly individual atmosphere.
Jennifer Irwin’s costumes reflect the land, the flora and fauna and are
strikingly beautiful.
This is a very thoughtful and engaging work that is also
visually and aurally exciting. Bangarra’s
unique style and attention to detail in every element of the production makes
this a memorable evening of dance.
Photos by Daniel Boud
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast in his ‘On Stage’ performing arts radio program on Mondays
and Wednesdays from 3.30pm on Artsound FM 92.7.