Sheltering

Beneath the constellation of its creative and cultural legacy, Bangarra Dance Theatre will present a program of three powerful works: 'Keeping Grounded', 'Brown Boys', and 'Sheoak', which honour Bangarra's past while looking to the future. 'Sheltering' will tour nationally. Born out of Dance Clan 2023 and reimagined for a new stage, 'Keeping Grounded', choreographed by Indjalandji-Dhidhanu and Alyewarre woman Glory Tuohy-Daniell, is a poignant exploration of their energetic connection to the earth and ancestral land. 'Brown Boys ' is a groundbreaking film directed by Daniel Mateo and Cass Mortimer Eipper, which was first presented in Dance Clan 2024. Inspired by Mateo's own poetry, the film intimately portrays his journey as a Gamilaroi and Tongan man—blending dance, narrative, and cinematic artistry. 'Sheoak', choreographed by Mirning woman and Bangarra Dance Theatre artistic director and co-CEO, Frances Rings, with music by Munaldjali and Nunukul man and renowned composer David Page, first premiered in 2015 as part of the double-bill Lore under Munaldjali and Nunukul man Stephen Page's artistic direction. It draws inspiration from the sheoak tree—a powerful symbol in Indigenous Australian culture known for its strength, adaptability, and deep meaning. Together, these three works engage with vital First Nations social and cultural issues, reminding us of the spirit at the heart of Indigenous worldviews and the enduring connections between people, land, and spirit.