Bangarra presents new show at Ulumbarra

LOCAL lovers of contemporary dance will be thrilled at the prospect of Bangarra Dance Theatre’s latest visit to Dja Dja Wurrung country during the Bendigo leg of their new show Yuldea.

Yuldea marks Frances Rings’ first work as Bangarra’s artistic director after taking over from Stephen Page, who recently stepped down from the role after a 33-year tenure.

The show features music by Leon Rodgers – the 2021 David Page Music Fellowship recipient and guest composers and First Nations electronic music duo Electric Fields.

Dancer, Janaya Lamb, is a Wiradjuri woman who joined Bangarra last year, and described the performance as “telling Yuldea stories between sky and earth, the impact of colonisation, kinship, and much more”.

“But the Anangu endure, determined to keep strong their knowledge systems of land and sky, honouring their eternal bonds of kinship between people and place,” she said.

Lamb said in preparation for the tour, which has taken in several capital cities and is currently in Melbourne until 7 October, the dance company had a few months working with Rings on ideas and tasks she had envisioned.

“We were able to go on country to consult with Elders. Even though the trip was quite brief, it had such an impact on us all that we are very thankful for and look forward to returning it to country,” Lamb said.

“The tour has been tiring but great.”

Catch Yuldea on either Friday 13 October or Saturday 14 October at Ulumbarra Theatre.

Both performances begin at 7.30pm and further information is available via the Bendigo Region website.