Bangarra Dance Theatre’s world premiere work Horizon shines on the main stage as their first cross-cultural collaboration, and its national tour has arrived in Brisbane where it is showing as part of Clancestry, a celebration of identity and connection providing a platform for established and emerging First Nations artists to share their stories, perspectives and talents.
Horizon is a double bill, opening with Kulka by Bangarra alum Sani Townson, followed by the primary piece, The Light Inside, choreographed by Bangarra alum Deborah Brown and Māori choreographer and Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson. If Horizon was a (visual, theatrical) feast, consider Kulka the entrée and The Light Inside the main course.
Kulka was an impactful 20-minute work that debuted in Dance Clan in 2023 and paid homage to Townson’s grandfather and his Torres Strait heritage. Celebrating the universe, the night sky, his family clans and the predatory crocodile on the Strait’s most northern island of Saibai, the work was broken down into four sections: Life, Bloodline, Crocodile God and Adrenaline. Kassidy Waters was the featured dancer, while a highlight was the trio danced by Lucy May, Bradley Smith and Kallum Goolagong, all clad in black mesh unitards speckled with crocodile-like scales. Other costuming, also designed by Clair Parker, included gorgeous, powder blue and gold split-thigh gowns.
Amy Flannery’s pulsing score complemented the dancing well and Elizabeth Gadsby’s set design was a remarkable highlight. Consisting of a huge overhead mirror, it reflected the dancers out towards the audience, creating a surreal, second performance surface. AV designer David Bergman and lighting designer Karen Norris’ use of the floor and mirror created an almost otherworldly effect.
The dancers flowed with agility and strength; their lifts and synchronicity were impressive. In a touching finale moment, a fleeting galaxy of stars splashed across the stage representative of where we come from and where we are going.
The primary work, The Light Inside, ran for 72 minutes and was split into two parts: Salt Water by Deborah Brown, and Fresh Water by Moss Patterson, with a short finale, Shimmering Water, bringing the two waters together in a moment of peace and serenity. Both works contained seven sections, with Salt Water containing notable solos from Daniel Mateo in Cylinder, and Lillian Banks in Blue Star, complete with stunning silver costume designed by Jennifer Irwin. Brown’s choreography was beautifully fluid and mesmerising, complemented by a slippery rockface backdrop that eerily rose as the piece progressed. Clever lighting and sound shifted the piece underwater and culminated with the full ensemble carrying giant leaves and the seeds of knowledge passed down by their ancestors.
The beauty of Salt Water was replaced by the drama of Fresh Water, arguably packing the biggest punch of the night. Patterson’s choreography was riveting, the dancers vocal from the outset, displaying strength and unity as an ensemble. The group worked together almost as one flowing beast, but Lillian Banks stood out for her magnetism and dancing strength, even when she wasn’t consciously featured. Sacred Hair was a section highlight that saw Emily Flannery, Chantelle Lockhart and Jye Uren entwine both their bodies and their hair, safely facilitated by Mateo. It was astounding how seamlessly two costume changes were integrated into the piece, complete with body paint, without stopping at all. It wasn’t until the end that I realised how tense my body was, such was the journey the dancers took us on.
It’s worth noting that there is a digital program and cheat sheet available for download on QPAC’s website, as well as a free hard copy program in the foyer, and it’s advisable to do some reading ahead of the performance. The information in the program will help to fully appreciate the cultural richness of each of the pieces.
This was my first main-stage Bangarra experience, and it packed a hefty punch. Horizon is an inspired, visceral, and poignant work, paying tribute to the power and beauty of the sea, Earth, stars, and our connection to all three. Dance theatre lovers should not miss it.
Horizon is on at the Playhouse, QPAC until 17 August 2024
Sarah Skubala
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- DanceX Part II (Arts Centre Melbourne) – dance review
- 4 Seasons (Expressions/CCDC) – theatre review
- DanceX (Arts Centre Melbourne) – dance review
Sarah Skubala is a freelance writer and has lived in Highgate Hill for several years. Originally from Adelaide, Sarah has a background in library work and musical publicity. She co-executive produced the award winning short film Down To Earth and has written a comedy short screenplay. She is currently working on a web series and a novella. Sarah is a fixture in West End and can be found wherever there is good coffee and cheap books.