Dark Emu.
Based on the book by Bruce Pascoe. Dramaturged by Alana Valentine. Choreographed by Stephen Page, Yolande Brown and Dan Riley. Music by Steve Francis. Set Design by Jacob Nash. Costumes by Janet Irwin. Lighting by Sian James-Holland. Bangarra Dance Theatre. Canberra Theatre. July 26 – 28 2018. Bookings: www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 62752700
Reviewed by Peter Wilkins
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| Bangarra Dance Theatre Ensemble in Dark Emu. Photo: Daniel Boud |
“How can I find words for that?”
asked a friend as we left the Bangarra dance Theatre’s performance of “Dark
Emu”. “The performance left me
speechless.” The Chair of Bangarra Dance Theatre, Michael McDaniel, told the
assembled guests at the after show function. To say that Bangarra Dance Theatre
is unique is an understatement. It is the only major professional arts company
reflecting entirely indigenous stories, culture and history through its
evocative fusion of traditional and contemporary dance. The company’s artistic
creativity under artistic director, Stephen Page, and his team is nothing short
of extraordinary. Dark Emu, adapted
from the book “Dark Emu” by Bruce Pascoe and dramaturged by Alana Valentine resonates
with the very living heart and spirit of country. Every aspect of production
immerses the audience in what is so much more than an exhibition of Bangarra’s
extraordinary talent as the only major company that has its cultural origins in
the land.
To really understand the process of
collaboration and inspiration that is the creation of Dark Emu, buy a programme and immerse yourself in the Q and As that
explain Bruce Pascoe’s book, Alana
Valentine’s dramaturgy, Stephen Page’s philosophy, Steve Francis’s composition,
Janet Irwin’s costumes, Sian James-Holland’s lighting and the visceral chorography
of Yolande Brown and Daniel Riley. For what is most amazing about Bangarra’s
work, apart from its commitment to the stories of its peoples and countries, is
its collaborative artistry. It finds expression in every segment of the
performance- from the opening visual impact of the Milky Way’s Dark Emu in the
galaxy to the giant seed pod suspended above the stage to the banksia smoking
fire and bringing life and purification to the land to the violent ignorance of
the invading Europeans, the destructive threat of the blowflies or the moving
rituals of a people whose love and respect for the land and traditions
epitomize a history of great promise encircled by the chains of shame. Bangarra’s
chronicle of the past offers a prophesy of promise for the future, if the blind
shackles of ignorance and fearful prejudice can be lifted. It does this not with
the barbed sting of words or the angry rebuke of protest. It does it with the
magical enlightenment of their dance, emerging from the land, rising to the spirit
of their creation and discovering meaning and purpose in their rituals,
beliefs, clans, customs and allegiance to
their mother, Nature.
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| Bangarra Dance Theatre Ensemble in Dark Emu.Photo: Daniel Boud |
To watch the moving patterns of
their dance is to be mesmerized and transformed, to find meaning and to be
transported to a new level of consciousness. I watch their amazing physical
dexterity, grace and emotional power with the eyes of a white man and feel the
power of their message with the mind and heart of all humanity. The
collaborative nature of Bangarra’s work in dance, music, visual splendour and
storytelling fires the soul, ignites the passion and in every entrancing moment
of choreography breathes enlightenment and gentle lessons in our shared
humanity.
Dark Emu, as with all of Bangarra’s creative works transcends
criticism. It invites us to view their world with a critical eye that can lead
to deeper understanding, respect and the power to make a difference. Next year,
Bangarra will celebrate thirty years on Australia’s cultural landscape. Without
them, we might still be wandering blindly through a desert of ignorance. Theirs
is a priceless gift and an artistry beyond compare.