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ABOUT OCHRES Ochres, first performed Sydney in 1995, proved a watershed production for Bangarra, leading to sellout shows around the country and more invitations to perform overseas than the company could accept.  "Ochres plays an essential part in traditional life. Working with cultural consultant/dancer Djakapurra Munyarryun has provided us with valuable insight into the presentation of traditional paint up and preparation. As a substance ochre has intrigued us. Its significance and the myriad of purposes, both spiritual and physical has been the driving force behind this collaboration. The portrayal of each colour is by no means a literal interpretation, but the awareness of its spiritual significance has challenged our contemporary expressions." Stephen Page Ochres is a work in four parts which explores the mystical significance of ochre, inspired by its spiritual and medicinal power: Prologue, Yellow, Black, Red and White. Prologue Ochres Spirit
"The Light"
Djakapurra Munyarryun
Music: David Page  YELLOW:
I believe the landscape to be mother. Its flowing rivers she cleanses in, the yellow ochre she dresses in, the sun and the seasons she nourishes - gathering, nesting and birthing along her travels. Music:
David Page featuring Tjipari Dreaming - Western Desert Women Ngarti Language Group and Women's Funeral Dance - North West Cape York Etanyanu Language Group. BLACK: An ash storm has blown over. The call and pain of the initiation can only be viewed from a distance... Men's Business. Music and Vocals:
David Page and Djakapurra Munyarryun
Featuring traditional songs Buffalo Dance and Stick Dance from Yirrkala.
Vocal and Yirdaki - Djakapurra Munyarryun
Torres Strait Island Language from Murray Island - Pinau Ghee RED: Youth, Obsession, Poison, Pain
Custom, Law and Values placed on the relationships between women and men have been on a path of change since time began. In each of these relationships - the youth, the obsession, the poison, the pain - there is struggle. Music and Vocals:
David Page. Featuring Yirrgambeh Language Group.
Yirdaki and Vocals - Djakapurra Munyarryun
Torres Strait Language and Vocals from Kala Kawaw Ya Language Group - Glenda Aragu. WHITE: At dawn MOTHER EARTH yawns, her call engulfs the white ochre spirits to spiritually bathe them in preparation for the day's journey. Music and Vocals:
David Page and Djakapurra Munyarryun
Vocals and Yirdaki - Djakapurra Munyarryun
Featuring traditional Ochre song from Yirrkala. back to top ARTISTIC TEAM:
Director and Choreographer: Stephen Page
Assistant Director and Co-choreographer: Bernadette Walong
Composer: David Page
Cultural Consultant: Djakapurra Munyarryun
Costume Design: Jennifer Irwin
Lighting Design: Joseph Mercurio back to top
what the critics said about Ochres: OCHRES CD A CD featuring all the music from Ochres can be purchased through Bangarra Dance Theatre. CDs of the music from Fish, Corroboree, Skin, Walkabout and Bush can also be purchased. Please contact:
Bangarra Dance Theatre
bangarra@bangarra.com.au
ph: 612 9 251 5333
fax: 612 9 251 5266 back to top
OCHRES VIDEO A video of Ochres can be purchased through both the ABC Shops for home viewers and through ABC Video Program Sales for educational and training institutions. back to top
this page updated March 13, 2005
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