Bangarawarre Bennelong Analysis

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When Bangarra’s newest production was announced earlier this year, another interpretation of indigenous history did not seem appealing especially more than two centuries years after Wollarawarre Bennelong’s narrative had dusted the early struggles of Aboriginal colonisation. However, in 2017, the historic chronicles of Bennelong’s life have been replenished with a soul and a cast covered with ochre. Stephen Page’s endeavours brings to life the journey of the first Aboriginal man who was assimilated into British culture. The performance emphasises on the indispensable events of Bennelong’s life such as his complicated relationship with governor Arthur Phillip, ostracism from his tribe and ultimately his descent into melancholy madness. However, …show more content…

Jennifer Irwin has effectively blended together the two major cultures which are present in the performance: British and Aboriginal. The scene “Birth of Bennelong” is a prime example of her consummate choice of costume. The full company enters steadily, wearing underwear constituted of leaves. This significantly assists the audience in comprehending the narrative and the way it effectively indicates each section. An instance of this is when Bennelong is washed on-stage by women. The dripping droplets are clear from all observing eyes as the ochre augments it. Not only does the ochre enhance practical elements but it also helps Bangarra personify the cultural symbolisms associated with indigenous practices. In contrast, “Birth of Bennelong” features aural aspects of aboriginal lyrics and harmonies. Steve Francis, the composer of Bangarra’s new score honours the legacy of late David Page by producing exceptional music for each chapter of the performance. The symphony of Philharmonia Choir, the sample of natural elements such as thunder and the language words of Matthew Doyle (Cultural Consultant) compliment the terrestrial movements of the ensemble quite well; the scene is engaging. However, the sluggish progression of the 5-minute section make it seem slightly dreary. Albeit, the audience is still captivated by the creative low-level locomotor movement …show more content…

One scene in particular was a highlight of the performance: Repatriation. The scene begins delicately with two indigenous people carrying a wrapping object to the centre of the stage. When they unravel it however, it appears to be the decaying body of an Eora person. The person is joined by Elma Kris and Beau Dean Riley Smith who has been sent back from London initiating a pas de trois evincing pain. At the core the choreography involves a large portion of weight sharing, grounded high releases and floor patterns. Moreover, the detrimental influence of the European settlement is projected vividly through the expressions of the three performers. Simultaneously, the movement is coordinated with Alana Valentine’s spoken poetry alluding to the forgotten deaths of Aboriginal Australians- “missing dead…without their hands or their heads”. Overall, the artistic director inspires with his evocative choreography and authentic intent which is idiosyncratic of Bangarra

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