Illume — Bangarra Dance Theatre
This stunning new production is Bangarra's first-ever visual arts collaboration, with Artistic Director Frances Rings teaming up with Goolarrgon Bard visual artist Darrell Sibosado.
Overview
New experiences, new challenges, new collaborations: for people and organisations alike, no one should ever stop notching up firsts. In 2024, for instance, Bangarra Dance Theatre unveiled its first-ever mainstage cross-cultural collaboration after more than three decades of existence, with Horizon adding tales from across Oceania to the iconic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company's remit. In 2025, the organisation is backing that up with another history-making production, Illume, which is Bangarra's first-ever visual arts collab.
Hosting its world-premiere season at the Sydney Opera House from Wednesday, June 4–Saturday, June 14, 2025, Illume sees Bangarra's Artistic Director Frances Rings team up with Goolarrgon Bard visual artist Darrell Sibosado. Featuring dance, visual arts and music, the end result focuses on light — and takes inspiration Sibosado's Bard – Bardi Jawi Country. Think of it as the next best way to experience being there.
Why has light proven so pivotal in Indigenous culture? Why is it considered a connection between physical and spiritual worlds? What impact does artificial light pollution have upon the land and sky, and how does it affect First Nations people's links to sky country, celestial knowledge and skylore? These questions are all at the heart of Illume.
Although every Bangarra production is stunning, it's easy to see why this kaleidoscopic addition to the dance theatre's repertoire is set to wow, all while also contemplating the climate crisis. In the Harbour City, it's taking over the Opera House's Joan Sutherland Theatre stage, moving Bangarra's shows to a bigger space after two decades in the venue's Drama Theatre.
Images: Daniel Boud.
Information
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