BURRBGAJA YALIRRA 2 - Marrugeku

Burrbgaja Yalirra 2 – this powerful triple bill traces histories of relocation, adaptation, and survival in two fiercely physical dance solos and an awe-inspiring duo, each exploring the presence of ancestors in contemporary life. 

Filipinx performance artist Bhenji Ra’s mesmerising solo, No New Gods is set before, during and after a lunar eclipse. With fierce Filipino stick fighting, Ra summons the Bakunawa who swallowed the moon, a serpent-like dragon believed to be the cause of eclipses, earthquakes, rains, and wind. In choreography that pulses with power, dominance and resistance Ra channels the flora and fora of the Philippine archipelago. 

Bloodlines is a rhythmic meditation on Pacifica life by captivating duo, Broome-based Aboriginal (Kunjen) and Torres Strait Islander (Erub/Meriam) dancer, Ses Bero, and Nouméa based Kanak/Ni Vanuatuan/Papua New Guinean dancer, Stanley Nalo. As they grapple with the brutal history of ‘blackbirding’ – the forced labour of South Sea Islanders on the Queensland sugar cane plantations from 1860. Bloodlines celebrates the gentle power of young warriors today and acknowledges their ancestor’s presence in spirit and in rhythm.

Nyuju embodies longing for Country in the central Kimberley, told through the paintings of senior Wangkatjungka artist Nyuju Stumpy Brown which are beautifully reflected in animations. Created and performed by her great-grandson, Bunuba/Gooniyandi/Walmajarri/Wangkatjunka dancer and actor Emmanuel James Brown Nyuju connects dance and Country in a visual feast for the senses. 

Burrbgaja Yalirra translated as ‘Dancing Forwards’ in Yawuru is a program of dance research laboratories and new short works, curated by Marrugeku’s co-artistic directors Yawuru/Bardi choreographer Dalisa Pigram and Anglo Pākehā director Rachael Swain. The program builds capacity in the next generation of leading change makers in community and culturally informed contemporary dance. Marrugeku is Australia’s leading Indigenous and intercultural dance theatre company based in Broome, Western Australia.

This show is a part of Te Rerenga o Tere | Tempo Dance Festival 2024 at Q Theatre, 10 - 20 October 2024. Check out the full festival line up here.