Bangarra Dance Theatre will unveil its newest children’s work, The Bogong’s Song: A Call to Country, at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Cremorne Theatre from 25 September to 4 October 2025 as part of Brisbane Festival. Seeking to blend storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance and song, the 45-minute production is aimed at primary-aged audiences and invites them on a dream-like journey guided by Country itself.
Created by Bidjara choreographer–writer Yolande Brown and Thiithaarr Warra, Kaanju and Ayapathu writer Chenoa Deemal, the piece stars Benjin Maza (Yidindji, Birri Gubba, Miriam Mer and Tanna Island) and Warlpiri artist Tjilala Brown-Roberts. Together they portray siblings whose Nan’s bedtime story transports them into a realm where stars, trees and grasses share ancient knowledge.
Brown said the show explores the idea that every creature – no matter how small – plays an essential role in the ecosystem:
When we truly understand that we’re all connected—not just person to person, but across species, from animals to plants to trees—we’ll begin to see how to work with the wisdom held across the greater ecosystem
When we do that, not only will people be healthier and happier, but the planet will be too. Like the Bogong moth, no matter how small you are, you can carry a big story and contribute to something extraordinary
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy highlighted the value of presenting First Nations stories to younger patrons:
We are proud of our continued relationship with Bangarra, and we’re thrilled that the company is bringing another children’s work to QPAC, offering our youngest audiences an opportunity to be enchanted by a story from First Nations culture.
We have watched The Bogong’s Song come to life in creative development sessions since 2024 with a stellar list of Queensland cast and creatives, and it’s been a pleasure to see the final story grow – just like a moth! – from its early caterpillar stages through to fully grown as it finally takes to the stage.
Meanwhile, Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek welcomed Bangarra’s return to QPAC:
It is wonderful to see Bangarra Dance Theatre continuing to engage young Queensland audiences through its powerful storytelling and masterful performances.
The Crisafulli Government supports the development of this new work for children, which has also generated employment for Queensland creatives.
Premiering as part of Brisbane Festival, The Bogong’s Song is the result of strong partnerships that will enable Queensland children and families to access the work of this brilliant company.
The Bogong’s Song follows Bangarra’s award-winning 2023 production Waru – journey of the small turtle, which reached more than 25,000 children nationwide. Tickets for the world-premiere season are now on-sale via the QPAC website, or by phoning their box office team during business hours on 136 246.
