REVIEW: THE OTHER SIDE OF ME - identity destroyed, history revealed, healing in motion

Wednesday 6th May, 7pm 2026, Studio Sydney Opera House

THE OTHER SIDE OF ME is a powerful dance work based on the true story of a First Nations man taken from his Aboriginal family and raised by a white family in England. Making its Sydney debut at the Sydney Opera House from 7–9 May 2026, this intimate duet explores identity, belonging, trauma and the lifelong impact of the Stolen Generations.

Created by Larrakia choreographer Gary Lang, the work examines the emotional struggle of living between cultures, countries and families. Drawing on letters, poetry and lived experience, Lang says the story goes beyond one person’s experience, touching on the “what if” moments and inner prisons many people carry through life.

The production is a collaboration between Gary Lang NT Dance Company and Northumbria University in the UK, with music and sound created by Yolŋu artists from Arnhem Land.

THE OTHER SIDE OF ME delivers a powerful triple threat: sublime choreography, a deeply emotional story and impassioned performers. Together they create this important and heartfelt work.

Lang’s vision and his inventive, detailed and exquisite choreography establish this as a standout contemporary dance piece. Unlike most dance works that rely on repeated motifs, Lang’s choreography unfolds progressively, constantly evolving without ever feeling repetitive. It offers a rich and dynamic range of movement — shifting fluidly from lyrical and elegant passages to brutal, masculine power and impressive acrobatics. The two dancers move between perfect synchronization and striking opposition, creating moments of harmony as well as raw, combative tension. This powerful expression of the endurance and suffering of the Stolen Generations is portrayed with haunting beauty in this intimate duet.

Blake Escott (Dhunghutti, Worimi) and Alexander Abbot are meticulous and impassioned as they perform the internal battle of this soul’s journey — a story based on fact and reflective of so many stolen children.

It is one thing to beautifully execute Lang’s insightful and touching moves, but what truly elevates this work is the emotional depth these two dancers bring. The moment they step onto the stage, their presence is captivating. This combination of dance and their powerful demeanour creates an impressive dance theatre experience.

Beautifully in sync with the performers’ movements are Samuel James’s screen projections and Arian Pearson’s eclectic soundscape. James uses a combination of impressionistic and realistic imagery. This artistic backdrop sets a contemporary tone while giving homage to the environmental scenery of the hero’s story.

Arian Pearson’s soundscape perfectly supports and expands this affecting tale, with a variety of choices that are gloriously in sync with the various chapters of the story’s journey.

This work is a strong example of how the many elements of a dance production can come together to create something significant. But the real highlight — and the reason to book a ticket now — is the emotional journey you experience through this vital chapter of history that deserves to be told.

Photography @ Daniel Boud.

https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/dance/other-side-me

Co-Creator, Choreographer, Director
Gary Lang  
Larrakia

Cultural Consultant, Songman
Banula Marika 
Yolŋu

Co-Creator, Dramaturg, Writer
Laura Fish (dec)

Co-Creator, Dramaturg
Liz Pavey 

Cultural Consultant
Josephine Crawshaw 
Kalkarindji

Cultural Consultant
Jesse Norris 
Torres Strait Island

Voice Artist
Janet Munyarryun 
Yolŋu

Sound Designer
Arian Pearson 
Yolŋu

Rehearsal Director
Noelle Shader

Performer
Blake Escott 
Dhunghutti and Worimi

Performer
Alexander Abbot

Lighting Designer
Joseph Mercurio

Costume Designer
Jennifer Irwin 

Composer/Sound Designer
Samuel Pankhurst 

Projection Designer
Samuel James 

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