Garabari

Overview

Genre-defying dance company Chunky Move returns this summer with a powerful new performance work, this time centred on First Nations rituals and ceremonial practice, and intergenerational connections. The creation of Choreographer in Residence and Wiradjuri man Joel Bray, Garabari draws its inspiration from the sacred Aboriginal dance ceremony known as 'corroboree'.

Running from Thursday, December 1–Saturday, December 10, at North Melbourne's Arts House, this immersive production is brought to life by five dancers, staged within a modern take on the traditional 'bora', or corroboree site.

Pulling it all together, expect costumes by First Nations designer Denni Francisco, a soundtrack by Byron Scullin and dynamic lighting work courtesy of Katie Sfetkidis. You'll also spy striking projections and costume elements incorporating actual community-made artworks.

Bray was guided by close consultation with Wiradjuri elders throughout the creation process, including his own father, Uncle Christopher Kirkbright. The choreographer also spent time in the Wiradjuri region (around Wagga Wagga), visiting ancient corroboree sites and involving community members in order to inform his work.

Images: Jeff Busby