Bangarra’s 21st Anniversary of Ochres

Bangarra Dance Theatre celebrate 21 years since the debut of Ochres, the work that revealed the company to the world. Ochres will be returning in a season of nine performances presented at Carriageworks, Australia’s largest contemporary multi-arts centre.

“Bangarra has grown so much since Ochres was first staged in 1994. An array of artists have worked on this production over the years, and all of them, along with our audiences, have experienced the sacred meaning of this show,” explained Artistic Director, Stephen Page.

Ochres tells the story of the relationship between Aboriginal people and the land, and is a fusion of modern contemporary dance and traditional indigenous movement.

In all four forms of colour, ochre is essential to the life of Aboriginal communities. This four-part contemporary dance piece explores the notion of ochre, and is a portrayal of each colour’s myriad of purposes and their spiritual significance to Aboriginal people.

“We’ve built a relationship with Carriageworks, which is why we thought to re-imagine Ochres with a new generation of dancers,” explained Page.

As a spiritually powerful work, each section of Ochres is a story within itself, derived from the land we stand on, making the production an otherworldly dance experience.

“I hope it gives [the audience] an insight to Aboriginal dance stories, and how they’ve evolved from traditional to contemporary,” said Page. “Hopefully they connect to that spirit.” (NB)

Nov 27–Dec 5. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. $35-$55. Tickets & info: carriageworks.com.au/events/ochres/

BY NYSSA BOOTH