Bennelong
Created by Artistic Director Stephen Page
Bennelong explores the life of one of history’s most iconic Aboriginal figures. Woollarawaree Bennelong was a senior man of the Eora, who led his community to survive a clash of cultures. Through striking dance language, soul-stirring soundscapes and exquisite design, Bangarra unpacks Bennelong’s legacy and its reverberation through contemporary Australian life.
Dauntingly iconic, profoundly sad, Bennelong is beautifully realised by a sensitive and experienced creative team, a phalanx of dancers at the top of their game, and features a career-defining central performance of enormous strength and grace from Beau Dean Riley Smith.
After a triumphant national tour in 2017, a debut at Adelaide Festival and six Helpmann Award wins, Bangarra take Bennelong to regional Australia in 2019. Created by Artistic Director Stephen Page, Bennelong explores the life of one of history’s most iconic Aboriginal figures.
Woollarawaree Bennelong was a senior man of the Eora, who led his community to survive a clash of cultures. Through striking dance language, soul-stirring soundscapes and exquisite design, Bangarra unpacks Bennelong’s legacy and its reverberation through contemporary Australian life.
On its premiere, Bennelong was acclaimed as “ravishingly beautiful” (The Australian), “utterly searing” (The Daily Telegraph) and “a benchmark in Australian dance creativity” (Sydney Morning Herald). Don’t miss your chance to experience this extraordinary work.
ABOUT
Bangarra is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander organisation and one of Australia’s leading performing arts companies. Widely acclaimed nationally and around the world for powerful dancing, a distinctive theatrical voice and utterly unique soundscapes, music and design.
Led by Artistic Director Stephen Page, they are currently in their 29th year but our dance technique is forged from over 65,000 years of culture, embodied with contemporary movement. The company’s 18 dancers are professionally trained, dynamic artists who represent the pinnacle of Australian dance. Each has a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background, from various locations across the country. Authentic storytelling, outstanding technique and deeply moving performances are Bangarra’s unique signature.
TOURING IN 2020
ALBANY, WA | 15 February | BOOK NOW
KARRATHA, WA | 22 February | BOOK NOW
NEWCASTLE, NSW | 28 – 29 February | BOOK NOW
PORT MACQUARIE, NSW | 4 March | on sale 14 February
DUBBO, NSW | 7 March | subscriptions available | single tickets on sale 25 January
Previous Tour
Touring February - March 2020. See bottom of page for venue list.
CREDITS
Choreography Stephen Page
Set Design Jacob Nash
Music Steve Francis
Costume Design Jennifer Irwin
Lighting Design Nick Schlieper
Dramaturg Alana Valentine
Cultural Consultant Matthew Doyle
If you are interested in touring get in contact!
Arts on Tour
02 8038 1880
touring@artsontour.com.au
Arts on Tour is based in Redfern NSW and we respectfully acknowledge the Gadigal people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded land on which we work.
As we tour artists and productions across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations Elders, past, present and future.
We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.