The Art House Presents

BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE

Waru – journey of the small turtle

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! 

In Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children, join our heroine Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival. A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru – journey of the small turtle is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for 3–7-year-olds, premiering at Bangarra’s newly renovated home in Walsh Bay. 

Created by Stephen Page, together with Hunter Page-Lochard and Bangarra alumni Dancers and Choreographers Sani Townson and Elma Kris, Waru provides teachers, parents and care-givers with a unique opportunity to open up conversations about climate change, caring for the environment and the traditional cultural values of respect and reciprocity.

Inspired in part by Turtle (Corroboree, 2001), choreographed by Stephen Page, Peggy Misi and Elma Kris.

Featured songs:

Koey Maluya by Helen Anu, Leonora Adidi and Peggy Misi, choreographed by Peggy Misi, Elma Kris and Sani Townson.

Waru by Helen Anu, Leonora Adidi.

Soeywal Wayi by Helen Anu, Leonora Adidi.

Play Dance, Kasa Kab, choreographed by Peggy Misi and Stephen Page.

Waru 2023 Touring Season Acknowledgements: 

The development of Waru – journey of the small turtle was generously supported by the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative and the Girgensohn Foundation.