'Page invokes the spirit of the land and lets it be a place of timeless respite and redemption' The Australian, 2 June 2008

'... [a] potent piece of theatre.' The Australian, 2 June 2008

'...unforgettable...inspired...breathtaking' Australian Stage Online, 1 June 2008

'primal images that ... arrest viscerally and indelibly' Courier Mail, 31 May 2008

'... passionate, athletic, emotional, inspirational...' Sunday Herald Sun, 25 May 2008

'...beautiful imagery...' Herald Sun, 20 May 2008

'brilliant lighting, costuming, music and performance...a must-see' ArtsHub, 19 May 2008


MATHINNA OPENS IN CANBERRA AT THE CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE 19-21 JUNE
BOOKINGS: canberratheatre.org.au

MATHINNA
A girl's journey between two cultures

A BRAND NEW WORK BY STEPHEN PAGE

Mathinna's story of vulnerability and searching in an era of confusion and
intolerance inspires Bangarra's latest work.

Born on Flinders Island Tasmania in 1835, young Mary was adopted into the
household of Governor Sir John and Lady Franklin and renamed Mathinna.
Later, Mathinna was sent to the Queen's Orphan School in Hobart and
ultimately rejoined her people at a settlement at Oyster Cove.
From perceived luxury and privilege to desperation and loss.

Don't miss this moving production, opening in Melbourne 16 May 2008.

TRUE STORIES - FINAL SHOW - THIS SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER!!

3 AUGUST - 1 SEPTEMBER 2007
DRAMA THEATRE
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Evenings: Tues - Sat @8pm
Matinees: Sat 4,11,18,25 Aug and 1 Sept @2pm; Thurs 9,16,23 Aug @12.30pm
Prices: Adult $54; Concession $47; Groups 10+ $47; Schools 10+ $20 per student, teacher free

Sydney Opera House box office 02 9250 7777
www.sydneyoperahouse.com

On Friday night, BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE kicked off its much anticipated Sydney season of TRUE STORIES at the Sydney Opera House.

TRUE STORIES was a hit with a full house and glam crowd at the Drama Theatre, offering an "invigorating blend of voices" and "bringing new moves and attitudes to this vibrant company" (Sydney Morning Herald)

Catch BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE throughout August at the Sydney Opera House.

"Bangarra has soul" said Brisbane's Daily Mail. True Stories was the talk of the town when it opened in Brisbane earlier this month. Opening night was a wild success with many of the dancers' families in the audience.

Bangarra has since travelled to Wollongong and opens in Canberra tomorrow night before moving on to Newcastle in July. Chookas Bangarra!

Bangarra thrilled audiences with the world premiere of True Stories in Melbourne this May! Emeret Lu and X300 proved to be a powerful dance combination, with the movement, music and sets resounding in audiences minds.

Here's just some of what the critics had to say:

"... striking image after striking image..." The Australian

"This is compelling, enriching dance that takes us all to a deeper place and a stronger connection" Herald Sun

"... a mature, distinctive, contemporary dance ensemble with a sophisticated sense of theatricality and a unique repertoire" The Age

"They make it look so effortless, so beautiful. Gripping and lifting each other with a seemingly featherlight touch, the men and women of Bangarra Dance Theatre flow and whip around, above and below each other" The Age

TRUE STORIES

WORLD PREMIERE SEASON IN MELBOURNE

OPENS 17 MAY

Internationally recognised as a leading exponent of Indigenous performing arts, Bangarra Dance Theatre kick-starts its 2007 season with a thrilling, brand new double bill True Stories.

Acclaimed choreographer Frances Rings and dancer-turned-choreographer Elma Kris, together with the dancers of Australia's most exciting contemporary dance company, share their true stories with Australian audiences for the first time.

Choreographer Frances Rings presents the world premiere of X300. "Essentially the work is about healing. It's a journey back to country – a chance to rejuvenate and heal old wounds.

Some 50 years ago at the edge of the Great Victoria Desert, in Maralinga, Southern Australia, Britain and Australia conducted nuclear experiments for more than a decade. The test site was code-named X300. South Australian-born Rings has created a powerful interpretation of the stories told to her by her family of the desolation of the land and its people.

In X300, Rings "re-creates the deadly silent black mist that rolled along the ground when the blasts occurred and explores the blindness that affected so many."

In addition to her performance and film & television pursuits, Rings has choreographed several award-winning works for Bangarra including Rations (2002), Bush (2003) and Unaipon (2004), all of which were performed to critical acclaim.

Dancer and choreographer Elma Kris has created a beautiful new work in her choreographic debut with Bangarra, entitled Emeret Lu, meaning "very old things".

In October last year, Elma traveled to Murray Island to ask permission from the Indigenous elders to share the island's traditional songs and stories through dance. Murray Island, says Kris, is  "… a very traditional one. Its customs, stories, arts and ceremonial dancing have been carefully handed down through the generations."

Including a special guest appearance by Murray Island descendant Smilar Sinak, Emeret Lu is a brilliant assemblage of traditional and contemporary dance; a celebration of rain, wind, hunting and the little-known Torres Strait Island culture.

Elma Kris, raised on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, has performed in many of Bangarra's acclaimed productions, including Unaipon (2004), Boomerang (2005) and the celebrated UK tour of Bush (2006).

True Stories will commence its national tour in Melbourne from 17 to 26 May at the Arts Centre.