Belong – Bangarra Dance Theatre

Bangarra Dance Theatre has been active since 1989, but this is the first time I have had the privilege of seeing their work. The double bill Belong is forceful theatre, confirming Bangarra’s reputation as one of Australia’s top performing arts companies. 

 Presented by: Bangarra Dance TheatreVenue: Playhouse, the Arts Centre Friday, 16 September 2011 
Bangarra Dance Theatre has been active since 1989, but this is the first time I have had the privilege of seeing their work. The double bill Belong is forceful theatre, confirming Bangarra’s reputation as one of Australia’s top performing arts companies. 
The national tour of Belong marks the twentieth anniversary of Stephen Page’s directorship of the company, and the two works presented are a fitting celebration of the established and the emerging. 
About, which explores the moods and influence of the four dominant winds in the Torres Strait Islands, is just the second choreographic work for Bangarra by company dancer Elma Kris. Kris’s seamless connection of traditional and contemporary movement results in organic shapes and evocative imagery. A personal touch is provided by the choreographer acting as story teller and the use of Kala Lagaw Ya language and Torres Strait Kriol. Intensely beautiful abstract representations of the elements by designer Jacob Nash form the backdrop to stories, each based around a colour that captures the feel and effect of the winds. 
About loses some momentum in the third movement but the first two movements are stunning. Leading the women in the cooling Zey (the ‘south wind’), Deborah Brown’s precise and vibrant dancing – from her feet to her fingertips – is mesmerising.  Kuki (the ‘northwest wind’), the  time of tropical storms, has a dynamic, electric energy, led with a breathtaking virtuosity by Sidney Saltner.
ID, by Stephen Page, is inspired by the complexities of the question ‘what is the real aborigine?’ Projected images, in black and white, top and tail the piece. The opening episode, Initiate, skilfully integrates the projection as the figures move in and out of the image with impeccable timing, merging ones perception of the recorded and live action. 
Subsequent episodes delve into questions of identity as diverse as kinship, discrimination and the degree of aboriginality based on skin colour. Humour, gut- wrenching tragedy and symbolic expression are all present, and the solo and ensemble pieces are all danced with brilliance. The work culminates in a deeply moving expression of unity, when swirling shapes, evocative of visual art, are created under the timeless gaze of the aboriginal woman projected above the stage. I, as did many others in the theatre, wept.
The original soundtrack by David Page, which samples traditional and new sounds and language, is intrinsic to the piece – as are the set design by Jacob Nash, lighting (Matt Cox) and costumes (Emma Howell). The successful cohesion of these elements is testament to the highly collaborative nature of the company. In addition the sophisticated use of multi-media always serves the work, putting other companies’ use of such devices to shame.
Belong finishes its national tour with this season in Melbourne.