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'Alive in the present, our story is not past
'In the deep darkness just before dawn, workmen find bones while excavating for a dam. Among the workers is Bilin, a Yugambeh man, who convinces his colleagues to let him keep the ancestral remains. This ancestor is Wudjang, who, along with her young companion spirit, Gurai, longs to be reburied in the proper way.
'Composed of poetry, spoken storytelling, live music and the astonishing choreography for which Bangarra Dance Theatre is internationally renowned, Wudjang: Not the Past is an epic-scale new co-production featuring 17 dancers, four musicians, and five actors.
'Directed and co-created by Bangarra’s Artistic Director Stephen Page (Bloodland, The Secret River, Bennelong), and featuring Mibinyah language from his home on Yugambeh Country, this ambitious and powerful piece of performance illuminates the ways in which ancient traditions continue to guide and strengthen current and future generations of First Nations people.'
Source: Sydney Theatre Company.
Production Details
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Presented by Bangarra Dance Theatre and Sydney Theatre Company for Sydney Festival, 17 January - 12 February 2022.
Director: Stephen Page.
Choreographer: Stephen Page and the Bangarra Dance Theatre Dancers.
Composer: Steve Francis.
Set Designer: Jacob Nash.
Costume Designer: Jennifer Irwin.
Lighting Designer: Nick Schlieper.
Dramaturg: Alana Valentine.
Music Director: Alan John.
Assistant Director: Kate Dunn.
Associate Music Director: Véronique Serret.
Language Consultant: Donna Page.
Cast: Elaine Crombie, Jess Hitchcock, Trevor Jamieson, Elma Kris, and Justin Smith.
Musicians: Brendon Boney, Amaru Derwent, Tessa Nuku, and Véronique Serret.
