of earth & sky at The Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre

Always original and evocative, Bangarra Dance Theatre presents two works inspired by old and new customs in a theatrical fusion of dance and visual art. Commissioned by Bangarra's Artistic Director, Stephen Page, of earth & sky features the works of celebrated choreographer Frances Rings and Daniel Riley McKinley in his choreographic debut. Artefact by Frances Rings, breathes life back into Aboriginal objects that represent the continuum of practices that date back thousands of years. Each artefact is respected for the story it tells in reconnecting people with their traditional culture and heritage. Expressed through striking design and theatrical elements Artefact is a powerful dance theatre work. Riley by Daniel Riley McKinley celebrates the life and work of the late Michael Riley, an acclaimed Aboriginal photographer and filmmaker, related to Daniel through Wirradjuri culture. Riley's cloud series of photographs with their dream-like beauty and digital manipulation are reflected in the movement and evocative soundscape for this exciting new work about the cultural resilience of Indigenous Australians. Making his debut with Bangarra, Aboriginal artist Jacob Nash has created inspiring designs that enhance the sensory experience in of earth & sky. At the heart of Bangarra's work is the inimitable soundscape and musical creativity of David Page, one of Australia's most outstanding Aboriginal composers.