Recently in Sydney, I attended the truly beautiful performance of Bennelong, by the Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Bangarra is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation and one of Australia’s leading performing arts companies, widely acclaimed nationally and around the world for its powerful dancing, distinctive theatrical voice, and utterly unique soundscapes, music, and design.
Authentic storytelling, outstanding technique, and deeply moving performances are Bangarra’s unique signature. I see these performances as a great way for Australia’s indigenous artists to conveys their stories in song and dance in a unique and powerful way.
Bennelong, as with all of the Bangarra performances, is based on a significant piece of the Aboriginal history. Woollarawarre Bennelong was a senior man of the Eora, from the Port Jackson area in Sydney. With extraordinary curiosity and diplomacy, Bennelong led his community to survive a clash of cultures and left a legacy that reverberates through contemporary life.
Bennelong showcases a unique Australian dance language and leaves you in awe of Australia’s history – and its power to repeat.
You can take a sneak peek at Bennelong in this video.
