Bangarra production Terrain showcases need to care for our country
By Jill Sykes
Terrain
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
★★★★
Until June 25
Frances Rings has a serene view of Lake Eyre – Kati Thanda – in her work Terrain, which first appeared in Bangarra Dance Theatre’s repertoire 10 years ago when she was resident choreographer. Now she is about to take over from Stephen Page as artistic director, this beautiful work is again setting its spell with a new generation of dancers.
These performers are particularly good, and suggest a strong future for the company. They make the most of the choreographer’s flowing style of curving arms and circling feet that bring small ensembles to close and touching groups, and large ensembles to embrace the wide stage with powerful energy.
Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Terrain.
In a note she has written for the printed program – an excellent and free guide to the performance and the company that is a fine example to other groups – Rings writes about her inspirations.
Working with cultural consultant Reg Dodd, she has drawn on a variety of aspects that shape this country in the north of South Australia, from landform and spinifex to the scars made by human intervention.
While some references are specific, like the men’s dance with shields, this is more of a cerebral and spiritual representation than literal references to animals and plants that we have seen in the more distant past.
Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Terrain.
In this, she is helped by the spacious sense of Jacob Nash’s handsome set designs, Jennifer Irwin’s inventive costumes and David Page’s distinctive music. All are integral to the success of the whole.
It is interesting to look back a decade and wonder how much more familiar these ideas would be to an audience today – a great deal, I would think. And with a season that runs to June 25, with tours to Canberra in July and Brisbane in August, there is a good opportunity to refresh your thoughts on the subject and the need for all Australians to care for our country.
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