Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, will be headed to Brisbane’s QPAC in June for something a little bit different during the Winter school holidays. Instead of their usually complex, contemporary dance works aimed at more adult audiences, they are bringing a unique work titled Waru – Journey of the Small Turtle, which is aimed at children. This season follows their initial Australian tour in 2023, and is aimed at children aged three to eight years old, alongside their families.
A journey of survival and discovery with our heroine Migi the turtle, the contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story is inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, in an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for three- to eight-year-olds. Under the star-illuminated skies of the Torres Strait, a green turtle navigates her way back to the beach where she was born. The season has started, the turtles are returning to nest, and soon the island will welcome a new generation of hatchlings – amongst them, our small turtle friend, Migi.
It is hoped that Waru will provide parents, caregivers and teachers an opportunity to “open up conversations about climate change, caring for the environment and the traditional cultural values of respect and reciprocity”. The production has been created by Bangarra Dance Theatre’s former artistic director, Stephen Page, together with Hunter Page-Lochard and Bangarra alumni Sani Townson and Elma Kris.
Commenting on this announcement, Page shared:
Waru is about celebrating the connection of Torres Strait Islander people to sea, land, and sky. Even though it’s a children’s show, it carries very old stories of the green turtle’s life cycle that will connect to all people today. We’re excited to give young people a glimpse into the lives of the Torres Strait people and their stories.
Writer Hunter Page-Lochard also shared that his personal and professional experiences informed his creation of the show:
I’m thrilled to be able to work with my father on a children’s show, especially now that I have a two-year-old daughter. Being a part of Playschool has given me an even greater appreciation of the importance of sharing culture with young people in Australia today, and I’m excited to be able to share the culture and stories of fellow creatives Sani and Elma with the youth community
Queensland Arts Minister, The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP, also commented on the announcement:
The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring communities around the state have access to high quality touring arts experiences. We’re supporting Bangarra’s tour of regional Queensland this year to deliver on our 10-year Creative Together strategy, which includes celebrating First Nations arts, stories and storytellers on the world stage ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
How to Book Tickets to Waru
Waru – Journey of the Small Turtle will run in the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Playhouse from 26-29 June 2024, encompassing the latter half of the first week of Queensland School Holidays. Tickets can be purchased exclusively via the QPAC website, or by calling their wonderful box office team during business hours on 136 246. Tickets are available for a flat rate of $35.00, with an additional $7.20 booking fee per order.
Waru’s Creative Team
Director Stephen Page
Cultural Creatives Sani Townson and Elma Kris
Writer Hunter Page-Lochard
Composers Seve Francis and David Page (dec.)
Featured Songs by Helen Anu, Leonora Adidi and Peggy Misi
Set and Costume Design Jacob Nash
Lighting Design Matt Cox
Language Consultant Leonora Adidi
Aka Malu – Storyteller Elma Kris
Performer Aba Bero
