Photo: Gerald Jenkins

DATES & VENUES

Regional Australia 2003:

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ABOUT THE DREAMING

Photo: Gerald Jenkins

The Dreaming is a composite performance showcasing the 'best of Bangarra' productions. Steeped in the cultural heritage of Aboriginal people The Dreaming combines ancient myth with electrifying movement and music from the contemporary urban world. A work of raw and powerful beauty, The Dreaming journeys across Australia's sweeping landscapes and waters resonating with the spirit of the country and it's people.

THE PROGRAM - 2003 NT, QLD and ACT

All pieces in first half are from the 2003 production Bush with the exception of Dots which is from 2002 production Walkabout.

Creation (Wirrkul Manda)
Based on the Two Sisters creation story from NE Arnhem Land. "They sang the songs and danced over the landÈ Created all living things"

Goanna (Djanda)
Each goanna (male totem) is given his sense of sight, sound, smell, taste, touch.

Dots
A homage to the beauty and vitality of the beautiful and ancient Aboriginal visual art form, the dot painting.

Stick
Nganuk or Mimi spirits appear as spiritual messengers - they can come as good or bad signs.

Life Cycle (Leaf, Caterpillar, Moth)
Metamorphosis, rejuvenation and the passing on of knowledge. Stick Nganuk or Mimi spirits appear as spiritual messengers - they can come as good or bad signs.

Ceremony (Passing, Gift, Clan)
The cycle of rituals in the celebration of death and rebirth.

INTERVAL

TURTLE
The entire second act is a tribute to the Torres Strait peoples and the beautiful, melodic water that surrounds our country. Turtle is from the 2001 production Corroboree.

Mother Turtle
Sand pours from the roof onto three bodies that represent the mother turtle. She goes to her sacred territory and digs to lay her eggs.

Hatch
The energy and movement of the hatching baby turtle.

Sit down dance (Kasa Kab)
Traditional TSI play dance that celebrates the turtle.

Rhythm dance
Torres Strait rhythm dance, using seed pods as rattles. This percussive dance depicts the thriving energy of the Torres Strait people.

Deep Sea
A dance for TSI women only - Koi Maluya is a beautiful song that celebrates the wind and the sea and the different patterns on the turtle shells.

Cleansing
The elder mother turtle's spirit is reborn - the cycle continues.

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THE DREAMING CREDITS 2003 NT, QLD and ACT

Artistic Director & Choreographer: Stephen Page
Co-choreographer (Stick, Ceremony): Frances Rings
Co-choreographer (Turtle): Peggy Misi
Composers: David Page & Steve Francis
Costume Designer: Jennifer Irwin
Set Designer: Peter England & John Matkovic (Turtle)
Lighting Designer: Nick Schlieper
Associate Lighting Designers: Glenn Hughes (pieces from Bush),
Trudy Dalgliesh (Dots), Joseph Mercurio (Turtle)
Guest Performer & Cultural Consultant: Kathy Balngayngu Marika
Assistant Artistic Director & Rehearsal Director: Jasmine Gulash
Company Teacher: Lea Francis
Production Manager & lighting design installation: Vanessa Hutchins
Head Mechanist: Billy Hopper
Stage Manager: Narelle Lewis
Assistant Stage Manager: Karen Maxwell

Dancers:
Timothy Bishop, Joel Blanco, Jhuny-Boy Borja, Deborah Brown, Chantal Kerr, Elma Kris, Peggy Misi, Rheannan Port, Desley Roberts, Sidney Saltner, Patrick Thaiday, Sani Townson

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SPONSORS/Supporters

Regional Australia 2003

Telstra
Qantas
Boral
Arts on Tour
NSW Ministry for the Arts
Playing Australia
Australia Council

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