Bangarra Dance Sheltering will return to the Sydney Opera House with a powerful triple bill exploring identity, connection, Country and storytelling through dance.
In a moving night of dance, I attended the Bangarra Dance Theatre’s production of Sheltering at the Sydney Opera House. The performance was a triple Bill, with a reimagining of the 2023 Keeping Grounded by Glory Tuohy-Daniell, followed by Brown Boys by Daniel Mateo, and Sheoak by Francis Rings.
Keeping Grounded
The first performance, Keeping Grounded, started with the dancers crouched on the ground, pulsing underneath a giant net. As the net lifted, I saw there were large gaps between the netting that the dancers then used to suspend themselves from and weave through. I was amazed at the core strength of the performers as they hung upside down from the net.
Soon the tone changed, with the gestures becoming more mechanical, and the performers taking straight paths across the stage. A dancer then came on wearing a blazer, which the other dancers tugged on and wrestled to take off, only to each end up putting it on themselves.
Brown Boys
Next, the short film Brown Boys was played over a projector. I was moved by Daniel’s poem about navigating his cultural identity in an environment of stigma and stereotypes.
Much of this film focused on Daniel speaking this poem, with progressive rapid cuts to footage of him moving, then deconstructing the walls surrounding him as the film went on. While it was short, it was impactful, and I enjoyed its addition to the sheltering performance
Sheoak
My favourite part of the show was in Sheoak, when a transparent screen divided the stage. A man covered in dust began to dance, flicking the powder through the air. Gradually, more people joined the stage, dancing alongside the man. Everyone wore flowy skirts that appeared momentarily suspended in the air with every kick. Behind the divider, dancers slowly moved, shrouded in light, making them look like ghostly figures. This part stands out beautifully in my memory and I found it particularly powerful to watch.
Sheoak, was originally developed in 2015, by Francis Rings, the Artistic Director and CEO. Large “floating” sticks were a prop continuously utilised throughout the peice, with groups of women, then men, interacting with and using the sticks throughout the dance, even swinging them across the stage.
The work contained variety, from forceful, sharp, individual movement, to gentle, slow synchronicity. The powerful combination of the soundscape and the choreography in Sheoak left me mesmerised.
Conclusion
It was very exciting to see Bangarra Dance Theatre perform live. I was very impressed by the precision in each and every movement, and how all the dancers moved in unison flawlessly. Additionally, their style feels unique and memorable. Bangarra beautifully conveys storytelling through the medium of dance, sharing meaningful perspectives and stories with movement. I would definitely recommend attending performances by Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Sheltering is currently showing at the Sydney Opera House, 3 - 13th June.
Reviewed by: Eleanor Edwards