Welcome to the March 2008 edition of Songlines, Bangarra's email newsletter, presenting updates of the company's work, as well as giveaways and offers.

Also in this Edition:
  So You Think You Can Dance...
  MATHINNA - special Songlines offer!

Mathinna

A NEW WORK BY STEPHEN PAGE
 
Mathinna's story of vulnerability and searching in an era of confusion and intolerance inspires Bangarra's latest work.
 
Born on Flinders Island Tasmania in 1835, young Mary was adopted into the household of Governor Sir John and Lady Franklin and renamed Mathinna. Later, Mathinna was sent to the Queen's Orphan School in Hobart and ultimately rejoined the last remaining members of her people at a settlement at Oyster Cove. From perceived luxury and privilege to desperation and loss.

The Arts Centre, Melbourne 16-24 May   QPAC, Brisbane 29 May-7 June   CTC, Canberra 19-21 June   IPAC, Wollongong 2-4 July   Civic Theatre, Newcastle 10-12 July   Sydney Opera House, Sydney 19 July-23 August

For updates on Mathinna throughout the season, go to www.myspace.com/bangarra

Emeret Lu

In a very special, first-time adventure, Bangarra traveled all the way to Mer Island in February to present Emeret Lu to Torres Strait Islanders. Choreographer Elma Kris was overjoyed to take her Torres Strait work Emeret Lu back to the Elders of Mer Island. Emeret Lu, or 'very old things' was loved by the locals.

As True Stories wraps in Gladstone, Queensland, Bangarra would like to thank audiences across Australia for their endless support.

Perun Bonser

Bangarra Dance Theatre welcomes dancer Perun Bonser to the company. Perun comes to us from the beautiful shores of Broome, and is a Bununba man of Aboriginal, Chinese, French, and Irish descent.

In 2002 Perun moved to Sydney to join NAISDA, graduating with a Diploma in Dance in 2005. During his studies he performed in Vicki Van Hout's Wiradjourni and Leigh Warren and Gina Rings' collaboration of Petroglyphs which later toured as part of The Dreaming Festival.

In 2006 Perun received an ATSIA Council Skills and Arts Development Grant to spend a season with Leigh Warren & Dancers Dance Company in Adelaide. Whilst there he workshopped and understudied for Einstein on the Beach, Wanderlust and performed in Satyagraha.

Last year Perun performed at the annual Helpmann Awards, in My Right Foot Your Right Foot, and directed and performed in the section titled Workshop 1: How to be a Better Blackfella for the Culturally Disadvantaged of the PACT Step Up program which was later performed at the Performance spaces Laugh Out Loud comedy night.

In early 2008 Stephen Page approached Perun to join Bangarra Dance Theatre. Perun jumped on board and has enthusiastically embarked on a regional tour of True Stories with the company.

The 2007 Critics' Survey recently published in Dance Australia magazine gave Bangarra much acclaim:

Emeret Lu by Elma Kris 'Best New Work' (Hilary Crampton, The Age)

Patrick Thaiday 'Most Outstanding Dancer' (Deborah Jones, The Australian)

Patrick Thaiday 'Most Outstanding Dancer' (Jill Sykes, SMH)

Yolande Brown 'Dancer to Watch' (Chris Boyd, Herald Sun)

Waangenga Blanco 'Dancer to Watch' (Jessica Thompson, Dance Australia)

Channel Ten's latest reality hit So You Think You Can Dance! have been with us rehearsing in our beautiful Wharf studios and filming around the water at Pier 4. Keep watching to see if you can spot Bangarra's banners in the background!

Mathinna

ADULT TICKETS AT CONCESSION PRICES!

As a Songlines subscriber, we would like to offer you an exclusive discount on tickets for the FIRST FIVE Melbourne performances of our world premiere in 2008, Mathinna.

Book before 4 April to purchase your tickets at the concession price of $47 (normally $55!).

This offer is valid for Adult tickets only and limited to the following five performances:

Saturday 17 May at 2pm
Saturday 17 May at 8pm
Tuesday 20 May at 8pm
Wednesday 21 May at 1pm
Wednesday 21 May at 8pm

Phone 1300 136 166*; or go to www.ticketmaster.com.au*;
OR visit in person the Arts Centre or any Ticketmaster outlet
Quote the password 'Songlines' to redeem this priority offer
*transaction fees apply

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