Bangarra Coming to QPAC

In 2016, Bangarra brings their remarkable triple bill, OUR land people stories to the Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) from 12 to 20 August 2016.

Featuring works by Artistic Director Stephen Page and a trio of Bangarra dancers. OUR land people stories premieres at the Sydney Opera House on 16 June before heading around the country on a national tour dedicated to the late David Page.

Stephen Page marks his 25th anniversary as Artistic Director of the company with his new work Nyapanyapa, inspired by the life story and paintings of internationally acclaimed visual artist Nyapanyapa Yunupingu from North East Arnhem Land.

Page has long admired Nyapanyapa's paintings and her latest series featuring dancing girls sparked the idea for this creative exchange. Composer Steve Francis, who has previously created scores for eight Bangarra productions, is collaborating with Stephen to create a vivid soundscape for this work.

Jasmin Sheppard's Macq (first performed in 2013 during Dance Clan 3) is brought to the main stage, exploring the 1816 March of Macquarie on its 200th anniversary; a historical chapter that decimated Sydney's Aboriginal community. Many landmarks in Australia are named after Lachlan Macquarie, but who was he is the question posed by Sheppard.

Passionate and political, it's a work that will serve as an enlightening history lesson for many unaware of this brutal encounter, with The Sydney Morning Herald calling her debut "unforgettable." The music for Macq was composed by David Page in 2013, and was the last piece of music he worked on for the company before he passed away in April 2016.

Beau Dean Riley Smith and Daniel Riley create Miyagan ("our family", pronounced Me-ya-gun), a poignant dance story mapping their cultural heritage from Wiradjuri country in New South Wales.

Related by a great-great grandfather, the Rileys got to know each other - and their family history - while dancing together at Bangarra. Miyagan explores the Aboriginal kinship system (the complex familial ties between clans) and their meaning to communities and to their own family tree. Blak composer Paul Mac, a Helpmann and ARIA© Award winner, is creating the music for this work; his second for Bangarra.

Page says this program is a true snapshot of what Bangarra stands for.

"It's so exciting to be on this bill with three artists who have been nurtured right here in our own backyard - they are the next generation of cultural leaders.

"I've always said that, along with community relationships, it's the dancers who inspire our stories, and it's their heritage, their experience, their families and where they come from that permeate our productions; that's where the heart and spirit comes into it and why our productions are so unique and moving," said Page.

The dancers' artistry, athleticism and authenticity drive the company's reputation as one of Australia's most loved ensembles. Join them in 2016 as they pass their message stick on to you. Tickets are on sale now via qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.

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