QPAC Celebrates 30 Years Of Bangarra Dance Theatre

In a programming highlight for 2019, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) will celebrate Bangarra Dance Theatre’s 30th anniversary in August.

A leading performing arts company and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation, Bangarra is about to embark on its landmark 30^th anniversary season, having presented in partnership with QPAC for more than 20 years.

Following its premiere at Sydney Opera House in June, from 23 to 31 Aug in QPAC’s Playhouse, Bangarra Dance Theatre will perform Bangarra: 30 years of sixty five thousand, a unique three-part programme. Conveying the breadth and diversity of the world-class dance ensemble, the triple bill comprises Frances Rings’ Unaipon, Jiří Kylián’s Stamping Ground and Bangarra Artistic Director Stephen Page’s to make fire.

Rings’ Unaipon (Clan, 2004), a monumental work in Bangarra’s repertoire will be restaged to mark this significant anniversary in recognition of the talent that has come through the company. It is an absorbing portrait of the great Aboriginal inventor, philosopher, writer and storyteller, Ngarrindjeri man David Unaipon, who features on the Australian $50 note.

Testament to the strength of the company in this milestone year, for the first time Bangarra will present the work of an international guest artist with acclaimed Czech choreographer Kylián’s Stamping Ground, an homage to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures.

Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Rounding out the programme, the company will perform a powerful collection of dance stories from the company’s 30-year history in to make fire. Curated by Page and Bangarra’s Head of Design Jacob Nash, the performance draws on stories and songlines from all over Australia.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said the season was also monumental for the Centre.

“This significant anniversary has brought to the fore many fond memories among QPAC staff – including myself – who have worked with and witnessed Bangarra over the years; from its premiere of Fish all the way back in 1998, to last year’s ground-breaking presentation of Dark Emu,” Mr Kotzas said.

“Stephen and the company have transformed the way a lot of Australians take in First Nations culture and we are honoured to be part of that journey by presenting Bangarra’s works for the past 21 years.”

As Australia’s only major performing arts company with its origins in the land, Bangarra is inspired by 65,000 years of culture and the continual evolution of Indigenous storytelling. Under the inspirational and award-winning artistic direction of Page, Bangarra strives to share and maintain the cultural integrity and spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions, combining it with contemporary expressions of dance and music.

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