This is a superb record of the history of Bangarra Dance Company. A story told, just like in Dreamtime, of the three Page brothers who founded the company. The story starts back in their childhood carrying through to the present day. Beautifully edited with loads of historic footage, it tells a touching story of the push-pull of success. A company that has become one of the most successful indigenous arts companies in the world. Success brings expectations, demands and much responsibility.
If it were a regular kind of business the founders and employees would simply “be professional” and get the work done. However, as artists, part of the job is unpacking your most vulnerable moments and digging up what is hidden. All the stuff no one really wants to admit like the stolen generation, struggles with substance abuse, domestic violence, suicide and Australia seeing itself as “founded” in 1901 when a 65,000 year old culture stands off to the side stage left saying “hey, what about us?”
Since the company’s inception in 1989 they’ve slowly but surely drawn the attention of the world – as well as Australians – to acknowledge and celebrate the culture of the Original people. It’s not all doom and gloom – the film beautifully depicts their love of family (the three brothers have 9 other siblings with children and grandchildren now), love of the land, humour and mischief. These boys can groove! They hold a deep psychological understanding and connection to each other, yet are perplexed when they cannot help when one of them is in distress.
With the company now in its 32nd year, the Bangarra dancers are very much a family to each other. We follow through their successes – shows, films and commercial work; tours to London and New York, opening the Sydney Olympic Games 2000 with many Original people brought down to Sydney for the first time from Queensland and Northern Territory plus their personal challenges that ripple along under the surface backstage.
It’s a candid view which shows how deeply the performers – both young and old – understand their purpose and the ambassador role they hold in representing the culture many Australians forget about. Watch this film! It will bring you great respect for the world class Bangarra Dance company.
FIRESTARTER : THE STORY OF BANGARRA opens at the Dendy cinema, Newtown this Thursday 18th February 2021.
https://www.dendy.com.au/movies/firestarter