In 2004, fusing contemporary and traditional dance, Bangarra Dance Theatre premiered Clan—two spectacular works, Unaipon and Reflections. Unaipon, choreographed by Frances Rings, is inspired by the life and vibrant intellect of Aboriginal inventor, writer and philosopher David Unaipon who is featured on the Australian $50 note. Reflections brings together the best of the award-winning choreography of Artistic Director Stephen Page. Excerpts from milestone works such as Ochres, Fish and Skin are woven together into one sensual and emotive theatrical experience.
In 2006 Clan returned as Frances Rings’ double bill Unaipon and Rations. Rations explores mission life in colonial Australia and a remarkable history of struggle and survival. [Text courtesy of Bangarra Dance Theatre.]
credits: choreographers Stephen Page, Frances Rings, set design Peter England, lighting design Nick Schlieper, costume design Jennifer Irwin, music & sound design David Page, performers Timothy Bishop, Jhnuy-Boy Boria, Victor Bramich, Deborah Brown, Yolande Brown, Chantal Kerr, Elma Kris, Kathy Balngayngu Marika, Rheannan Port, Frances Rings, Sidney Saltner, Patrick Thaiday, Sani Townson
performances: Adelaide Festival, March 2004; Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane, April-May 2004; the Arts Centre, Melbourne, June 2004; Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, June-July 2004; Glen St Theatre, Sydney, February-March 2007
adelaide festival 2004: triple bill
helen omand, realtime 60, april-may 2004
dance bites
keith gallasch, realtime 94, december 2009-january 2010
journey of the spirit
olivia stewart, courier mail, may 3, 2004
move over, descartes! make way for the wriggly lines of bangarra!
nicholas cavenagh, m/c, may 8, 2004
family ties bring memories to life
jo roberts, the age, june 11, 2004
clan unites one and all
jane howard, sunday herald sun, june 13, 2004
failure to cash in on face of the $50 note
neil jillett, sunday age, june 13, 2004
clan
chris boyd, herald sun, june 14, 2004
bangarra steps back and takes a brave step forward
chloe smethurst, the age, june 15, 2004
stage: clan
ross mcgravie, mx (melbourne), june 17, 2004
clan, bangarra dance theatre
jill sykes, sydney morning herald, june 28, 2004
homage to a koori of note
julie huffer, sun herald, july 4, 2004
clan
andrew taylor, sydney morning herald, february 20, 2007