Type – Dance Theatre, First Nations Culture, Contemporary Dance
If you liked – Ilume, Flora, Yuldea
Sheltering: A vital triple bill about resilience and culture
There is something that feels fitting about being witness to a selection of world-class artistic works that showcase stories and lessons from the oldest continuing culture on earth, in one of the most recognisable performance venues on earth, at the end of Reconciliation Week, and on Mabo Day. It’s a privilege to sit in the space and feel embraced and welcomed, not just entertained.
Sheltering is a triple bill, and the latest offering from world-renowned dance company Bangarra. The program opens with Keeping Ground, which choreographer Glory Tuohy-Daniell has been developing over the last few years, with this presentation being the current evolution. Combining both earthy dance and aerial artistry, the piece weaves soul and physical space into a frenzy in which you could hear a pin drop. Shana O’Brien’s towering aerial set design echoes the piece’s story of how communities keep culturally and physically grounded in an ever-changing world.
Between the two dance pieces is the short film Brown Boys by company dancer Daniel Mateo and Cass Mortimer Eipper, and it’s the crowning jewel of the program. In just over six minutes, Mateo and Mortimer Eipper have captured eons of culture while telling the story of a young boy grappling with insecurities and the longing to connect back to Country. Mateo is the sole performer on screen, and also provided the poetic script. Director of Photography Liam Brennan has ensured every shot feels worth being printed and framed. Don’t be shocked if this is winning awards at film festivals over the next couple of years.
Rounding out the program, Sheoak is another returning piece from the company’s Artistic Director Frances Rings, birthed in 2015 as a response to appalling comments from a prominent political figure at the time about remote Aboriginal communities. The piece blends lore and resilience. Sheoak is a visual feast. It does what Bangarra does best by drawing you in and filling you from your heart to your soul. Rings may be one of, if not, the greatest living choreographer, and to witness her craft on the bodies of these outstanding dancers, who work so impeccably as a company and are the top of their field, feels like an honour.
Karen Norris, a regular collaborator of Rings, has provided the lighting design for the two in-space pieces, and Norris has created something far more vivid than anything outside the venue. Norris truly understands these pieces, their creators, and how to craft a space with light, shadow, shape, and atmosphere.
Sheoak’s ethereal score was composed by the late and truly great David ‘Dubboo’ Page, a pillar of Bangarra who passed away shortly after Sheoak’s premiere. Page’s composition is unrivalled and his collected works have left an enduring legacy that must be acknowledged and honoured.
Something I make it a habit of doing is not reading program notes on dance pieces, to see if my artistic brain, which is largely planted in contemporary theatre, can make sense of the dance language and follow the story. Bangarra, and particularly in works curated or created by Rings, is the only company I feel I can experience a piece, follow the line through, and later read the program and go “yep, got it.” That in itself is a showcase of remarkable talent.
Is Sheltering Worth Seeing in Sydney?
Sheltering is exceptional and very worth seeing, as is anything Bangarra presents, anytime, in any venue they’re performing near you. Bangarra is the cultural heart of this nation, and they are vital to representing our nation and its vast ancient history on the world stage. It’s hard to use the word breathtaking in reviews lately without sounding twee or auto-generated, but Sheltering is breathtaking.
The conclusion of the program was met by a collective exhale from the sold-out audience, who’d been captivated; it felt we’d all held our breaths for the duration. This exhale was followed directly by a well-deserved standing ovation.
Tickets and Practical Info for Sheltering in Sydney 🎟️
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Sydney Opera House (Gadigal)
Until June 13, followed by dates in Melbourne (Wurundjeri Country) and Brisbane (Meanjin).
Tickets: https://www.bangarra.com.au/productions/sheltering/
