Welcome to the March 2005 edition of Songlines, Bangarra's email newsletter, a bi-monthly update of the company's work, as well as giveaways and offers.

Also in this Edition:
  A new path to dance
  Sydney special offer

Bangarra's breathtaking new work Boomerang on-sale today!

Caught between two worlds - one ancient, one modern - a family returns to their traditional land to rekindle the sacred wisdom of the past for future generations.

Inspired by the songs and stories of north-eastern Arnhem Land, internationally renowned choreographer Stephen Page combines exhilarating dance and stunning theatricality in Bangarra Dance Theatre's new work, Boomerang.

Boomerang captures the old and the new in powerful visions, revealing the impact of social poisons and the beauty of forgotten rituals.

With vibrant physicality, Boomerang is Bangarra at its best!

Regular Readers please note: Boomerang is the new name of the work previously announced as Mimic.

Playhouse, the Arts Centre, Melbourne
June 9 - 18
TICKETMASTER7 1300 136 166 or ticketmaster7.com

Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
June 23 - July 2
QTIX 136 246 or qtix.com.au
(Brisbane season on-sale March 29)

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
July 14 - August 6
02 9250 7777 or
sydneyoperahouse.com

More about Boomerang

 Yolande Brown

Yolande is a descendant of the Bidjara clan of the Kunja nation, central Queensland and also shares Celtic and French origins. She believes that people can achieve whatever they set their hearts on.

When did you first decide you wanted to be a dancer?
I never really wanted to be a professional dancer - I just loved dancing. When I was two I would dance in the aisles of shopping centres to the cheese-ball music.

Who inspires you in your everyday life?
My Mother... her strength and passion for her family. And my dog Brindabella - she's so content and happy... and unconditionally loving.

What have you learnt by working with Bangarra?
I started here when I was twenty so I've spent a lot of time growing up in the Company... I've learnt that the people you work with can be like an extended family.

What is one of your best/worst/funniest moments as a performer?
I got stabbed in the ear drum by Mrs Beaver's whisker when I bent over to kiss her on the cheek in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

What would you like to be doing in ten-years time?
A Uni Lecturer? Studying to be a vet? Writing and recording music? As long as I'm happy I don't mind.

What challenges have you faced in your life and how did you cope with them?
Having to talk in an English accent in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe without any training. Watching a lot of ABC TV helped... and focusing on being creative and inventive.

What is your favourite way to relax?
The beach... Letting the hot sand ease my muscles after a hard day at Bangarra.

More about Yolande

Last month Dance Australia magazine released the annual critics' survey for 2004 and to quote: "Bangarra Dance Theatre impressed nearly everybody once again."

Frances Rings' work Unaipon, described as 'Ingenious and evocative' by The Australian, received nominations for: Most Outstanding Choreography, Best New Work and Most Significant Production.

Bangarra dancers Patrick Thaiday and Yolande Brown also earned praise, both nominated in the Most Outstanding Dancer and Dancer to Watch categories.

Last Saturday, Telstra presented a free sunset performance of Bush in the stunning surrounds of the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The performance was the highlight of a whole weekend of free performances in the gardens to kick off the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide.

Stephen Page and the rest of the company had a ball during their time in Adelaide for last year's Festival, and they were thrilled to be performing for the people of Adelaide once again. Likewise, the people of Adelaide have a real affection for Bangarra, and it was shown on Saturday night when a capacity 4,000 turned out for the performance and then gave a standing ovation at the end!

This was the first time Bush had been performed in the outdoors and the Adelaide Botanic Garden was the perfect setting.

Special thanks go to our principal sponsor Telstra for funding the performance.

www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au

Critical Path

A new and exciting organisation for choreographers, Critical Path, launched its first development program in February.

Critical Path brings together Australian and international artists in a laboratory environment where risk-taking, play and experiment are encouraged. It allows choreographers to work without the pressures of deadlines, audiences and critics. For more information about their workshops and projects visit www.criticalpath.org.au

The cruelty of war and manipulation of the truth is at the heart of John Bell's adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry VI Trilogy, Wars Of The Roses. An unprecedented Bell Ensemble of 16 actors takes to the stage for this tour-de-force theatrical event.

The nation is embroiled in turmoil following the death of its inspirational leader and the once great power base is challenged through a relentless campaign on foreign soil.

Wars Of The Roses is one evening comprised of two remarkable parts: Harry The Sixth and Edward 4.

Special offer: $35 for following performances
Tue 29, Wed 30 March @ 7pm / Tue 5 & 12, Wed 6 & 13 Apr @ 7pm / Sat 2 Apr @ 1.30pm / Sat 9 & 16 @ 1.30pm

Bookings: Sydney Opera House Box Office 9250 7777 and identify the word 'ROSE'

Message from Telstra
Bangarra and Telstra celebrate a partnership that is helping to increase community understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture.

Like Bangarra, Telstra is committed to working with Indigenous communities to help develop and support programs that foster a sense of understanding and cultural pride in all Australians.

Our sponsorship of Bangarra also delivers on Telstra's commitment to regional Australians by providing increased access to one of Australia's leading dance companies. We will continue to help develop on-line initiatives and to support Bangarra as the company tours regional Australia.

Ted Pretty
Group Managing Director
Telstra Technology, Innovation and Products

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Bangarra Dance Theatre
Pier 4/5 Hickson Road,
Walsh Bay, Sydney, NSW 2000
phone: (02) 9251 5333
email: bangarra@bangarra.com.au
web: www.bangarra.com.au