Bangarra Dance Theatre
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30 November, 2023

Waru - journey of the small turtle returned to Country on Waibene (Thursday Island) this month. 

After a regional tour through VIC, NSW, QLD and the NT, Aka Malu and Migi returned home to the Torres Strait where their story began.

Over the course of a week, we connected with Community through workshops, cultural exchange and two captivating performances in Torres Strait Creole, the island’s primary language. Performances welcomed over 800 audience members from multiple islands in the Torres Strait.

Returning this work to Country is a key part of our Creative Life Cycle, expressing gratitude for stories and honouring the bond between story and Country. Thank you, Thursday Island Community, for welcoming Aka Malu and Migi, the turtle, back home.

Photo of the Waru - journey of the small turtle set on the floor of a large sports complex. An audience of 400 people sit in the stands looking at the stage.
Performer Elma Kris stands with Language Consultant Leonora Adidi on the set of Waru in the sports complex on Thursday Island.
The cast and crew of Waru stand arm in arm, smiling at the camera, standing on the set on stage at the sports complex on Thursday Island.
Four dancers stand in front of a large group of year five students in a covered outdoor area. The students sit on the floor facing the dancers.
Dancers Jesse Murray and Daniel Mateo in shallow water in the Torres Strait Islands, each smiling, looking down and holding a large green turtle.
A group sits around a table weaving small, colourful items at the Gag Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island.