Waru - journey of the small turtle

Under the star-illuminated skies of the Torres Strait, a green turtle navigates her way back to the beach where she was born. The season has started, the turtles are returning to nest, and soon the island will welcome a new generation of hatchlings – amongst them, our small turtle friend, Migi! 

In our first dedicated work for children, join our heroine Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival. A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru – journey of the small turtle is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for 3 to 7-year-olds.

Created by Stephen Page, together with Hunter Page-Lochard and Bangarra alumni Dancers and Choreographers Sani Townson and Elma Kris, Waru provides teachers, parents and care-givers with a unique opportunity to open up conversations about climate change, caring for the environment and the traditional cultural values of respect and reciprocity.

Inspired in part by Turtle (Corroboree, 2001), choreographed by Stephen Page, Peggy Misi and Elma Kris.

Featured songs:

Koey Maluya by Helen Anu, Leonora Adidi and Peggy Misi, choreographed by Peggy Misi, Elma Kris and Sani Townson.

Waru by Helen Anu, Leonora Adidi.

Soeywal Wayi by Helen Anu, Leonora Adidi.

Play Dance, Kasa Kab, choreographed by Peggy Misi and Stephen Page.

Running time: 45 minutes, no interval.

RESOURCES

• Waru Learning Pack
• Child Safety Statement

Images by Daniel Boud.

Waru – journey of the small turtle has been generously supported by the Girgensohn Foundation, the Knights Family Jabula Foundation and the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative.

Video by Cass Eipper