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LoginWudjang: Not the 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.
Combining 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.
Director: Stephen Page
Choreographer: Stephen Page and Bangarra Dancers
Writers: Stephen Page and Alana Valentine
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
Rehearsal Director: Daniel Roberts
Language Consultant: Donna Page
Image by: Daniel Boud
Performers: The Bangarra Dance Theatre Ensemble with Kirk Page, Elma Kris, Elaine Crombie, Jess Hitchcock, Justin Smith, Amaru Derwent, Brendon Boney, Tessa Nuku, Véronique Serret.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc, commissioned by Sydney Festival, Perth Festival and Adelaide Festival, and co-produced by Bangarra Dance Theatre and Sydney Theatre Company.
Stalls and Dress Circle
Premium $120/ A Reserve $90
B Reserve $75 / C Reserve $65
B Reserve Concession $65
Gallery
Gallery Premium $85 / Gallery A Reserve $75
Gallery B Reserve $65 / C Reserve $45
Gallery B Reserve Concession $40
*all bookings made will incur a $5 Transaction Fee
Bangarra Dance Theatre has a longstanding commitment to sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories from across the country. A limited number of $15 tickets are available for each performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members, and those who work alongside First Nations peoples. To book, contact Box Office at boxoffice@theatreroyal.com.au or call 03 6146 3300
1hour 20 minutes, no interval
Utilises smoke and haze
Wudjang: Not the Past is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over. This production contains political and social themes, including violence and sexual assault, which may cause distress. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this production contains voices of people who have passed away.
As of 01 January 2022, all eligible patrons must be double vaccinated against COVID-19, with an approved vaccine to attend Theatre Royal premises and events. If you require any further information or need to make a change to an existing booking, please contact our Box Office on 03 6146 3300.
