The Bangarra Dance Company’s new production brings to light the story of Patyegarang, a remarkable young indigenous woman,
When the colonial fleet first arrived in Eora country in the late 18th Century, Patyegrarang, a young indigenous woman, befriended Lieutenant William Dawes, gifting him her language in an incredible display of trust and friendship.
The Company, under Artistic Director Stephen Page, have fashioned this latest work from various archival records including diaries maintained by Lt Dawes that were rediscovered in 1972. Dawes, an astronomer, mathematician and linguist by profession, recorded all his encounters with Patyegarang in his notebooks.
The result is a striking production with brilliant work by an excellent troupe of dancers, led in the leading roles by Jasmin Sheppard and Thomas Greenfield.
Jasmin Sheppard, who joined Bangarra in 2007 and has performed in eleven of the Company’s productions, was a luminous presence as Patyegarang.
In only the fourth time that a non indigenous performer has appeared as a guest artist with the Company, South Australian dancer Thomas Greenfield impressed in the role of William Dawes.
The troupe was supported by an outstanding creative team, choreographer Stephen Page, dramaturg Alana Valentine, sound designer David Page, set designer, Jacob Nash and costume designer, Jennifer Irwin.
Highly recommended, Bangarra Dance Theatre Company’s production of PATYEGARANG opened its world premiere national tour at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House last Thursday, 12th June, where it will play until Saturday July 5.
The Company will then move to perform seasons in Canberra, at the Canberra Theatre Centre between July 17 to 19, in Perth, at the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia between July 20 to August 2, in Brisbane, at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre between August 15 to 23 and finally in Melbourne at the Arts Centre, Melbourne between August 28 and September 6.