Bangarra's Dance Theatre's KINSHIP to Tour Victoria, Tasmania; Kicks Off 8/15

Internationally acclaimed Bangarra Dance Theatre has created a breathtaking theatrical experience by award-winning choreographer Stephen Page set to tour Victoria and Hobart.

Kinship brings together two of Bangarra's most loved dance works. The first section will feature Brolga, originally presented as part of the iconic Bangarra production Corroboree. The second work will be ID, originally performed in the acclaimed production, Belong.

Kinship will tour Victoria starting at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre on August 15, 2013. The tour will then move on to Dandenong, Mildura, Warragul, Sale, Frankston and Nunawading before concluding with shows in Hobart on September 12 and 13.

Brolga is a creation story inspired by the totemic systems in Australian Aboriginal culture, where every person is assigned a creature totem related to their clan. Set in North East Arnhem Land, a young girl ventures out before sunset and finds herself on a brolga feeding ground. As she is challenged by her totemic temptation, she takes us on a journey of exploring relationships between humans and creatures, reflecting on the intrinsic spirituality of the natural world.

ID investigates what it means to be Aboriginal in the 21st century, asking important questions of identity. In a series of dramatic and humorous observations, Stephen Page contemplates human

nature in modern society where skin colour can drive perceptions rather than embracing differences. This bold dance theatre work celebrates the resilience of Australian Aboriginal culture in both its traditional and contemporary forms.

Performing as part of the all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander dance ensemble is Bangarra's artist in residence and respected elder from Yirrkala, North East Arnhem Land, Kathy Balngayngu Marika. Kathy's traditional knowledge and spirit is at the heart of Bangarra, informing the skills, culture, language, music and storytelling that come together to create the company's distinctive work. Kathy Marika received the Deadly Award for Dancer of the Year in 2011.

For Kinship, Bangarra also welcomes new full time company member Jesse Martin. Jesse is a descendant of the Bundjalung people of Northern NSW and also shares Dutch and Spanish heritage. Last year he performed in various productions including works that featured in the Sydney Festival and the Edinburgh Festival.

Bangarra creates a truly Australian theatrical experience that connects the spirit of traditional culture with our contemporary lives, creating inspiring dance theatre productions of integrity and excellence that resonate with people throughout Australia and the world. Stephen Page has long been recognised for his phenomenal ability to create milestone productions in the Australian cultural cannon.

For more information, visit www.bangarra.com.au.