How Bangarra Dance Theatre Is Looking Beyond Australia with Its First Mainstage Cross-Cultural Collaboration 'Horizon'
“I really want to make sure that you, as the audience, will leave the theatre with a bit of the Torres Strait with you.”
In partnership with 
Bangarra Dance Theatre has been creating poignant theatrical performances since 1989, fusing together contemporary dance, music, poetry, art and design to spotlight First Nations culture and stories.
The company's latest work is Horizon — a double bill of contemporary dance works that pay homage to the landscapes, skies and spirits that are considered significant by First Peoples across the Oceania region, from Australia to the Torres Strait Islands and Aotearoa.
Sani Townson's Kulka opens the show, honouring his grandfather and highlighting his Torres Strait heritage. This is followed by collaborative work The Light Inside by Bangarra alum and Torres Strait choreographer Deborah Brown and Māori Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson.
In partnership with Bangarra Dance Theatre, we spoke to Sani Townson — choreographer, Bangarra alum and presently Bangarra's Youth Programs Coordinator — about creating Kulka, what sparked his passion for dance, and why you need to see Horizon.
On What You Love Most About Working with Bangarra Dance Theatre
The sense of family. I've been on all sides of this company — I was a dancer and am three years back into the fold of Bangarra again, inspiring and nurturing a new generation of young talent in the Youth Programs team. Now I have this opportunity to create with the company. My heart is full.
On the Power of Dance
When I was younger, traditional dance was the first time I ever fell in love with movement — how song and dance marry together.
But with the contemporary art form of dance, I loved how you can make amazing shapes with bodies; how you can manipulate the muscles on your body with the use of light; and how the human body can act as a paintbrush on a blank piece of canvas.
On the Inspiration Behind 'Kulka'
In my Grandfather's language of Kalaw Kawaw Ya, 'kulka' means 'blood'. This piece pays homage to my grandfather, Sania Guy Townson. This is merely my interpretation, in contemporary dance form, of a story he passed on to me about how my family got our totem and our clan.
I've carried his name my whole life as he was an important man to my Saibai Island families. Carrying a name like his has definitely made me work extremely hard to get to where I am today. I have taken his name all over the globe and I will continue to do so where I can. He has seen me perform as a dancer with Bangarra and now his voice will be in the Drama Theatre in the Sydney Opera House.
On Spotlighting Your Torres Strait Heritage Through Your Work
All my works have always been in the mother tongues of both Kalaw Lagaw Ya and Kalaw Kawaw Ya. Every time I make a work, I really want to make sure that you, as the audience, will leave the theatre with a bit of the Torres Strait with you.
On What Makes 'Horizon' So Special
This is a cross-collaboration between the First Nations peoples of Australia and Aotearoa and the one thing we share, which is the night sky. My piece starts coming from the stars and ends looking up to the stars. Our cultures differ but share the night sky.
In a world premiere, Horizon will run at the Sydney Opera House from Tuesday, June 11–Saturday, July 13, before touring Canberra from Thursday July 18–Saturday, July 20, Brisbane from Wednesday, August 7–Saturday, August 17, and Melbourne from Wednesday, August 28–Saturday, September 7.
Book your tickets to Horizon today, and find out more, at the Bangarra Dance Theatre website.
