The Bogong’s Song: A Call To Country at Bangarra Dance Theatre is an ingenious new production developed by Yolande Brown and Chenoa Deemal. It is sure to be another award-winning success following their previous highly acclaimed work Waru – Journey Of The Small Turtle which engaged thousands of children last year. The Bogong’s Song presents a truly unique, culturally significant and entertaining performance.
The inclusion of puppets and shadow puppets was captivating and worked seamlessly with Justin Harrison’s fabulous video designs and projected images. Vanessa Ellis excelled as the puppet master and maker; her expertise elevated and transformed the performance into something unique and magical.
The music by Brendon Boney and Yolande Brown, who was also the songwriter and composer, was atmospheric and illuminating. It perfectly complemented the dance choreography with First Nations cultural influences interwoven beautifully throughout. I immensely appreciated the inclusion of Australian bush sounds and animals and First Nations instruments such as tapping sticks and the didgeridoo. These intricate details highlighted and celebrated the cultural significance of the performance.
The lighting by Ben Hughes and Eben Love allowed the audience to transcend into the dreaming experience with mystical effects and timely poignant moments. Particularly impressive was the green lighting for the grass and the beautiful starry scattered lighting.
The performers Benjin Maza and Tjilala Brown-Roberts delivered a majestic performance. They both showcased exquisite artistry in their dancing, acting and singing. They showcased the artistic choreography by Yolande Brown which was an eclectic fusion of First Nations influence combined with hip hop and contemporary dance. Benjin wowed the audience with fabulous strength in his acrobatic tricks and tight, clean movements throughout. Tjilala likewise delivered a flawless performance with soft smooth elegance. Benjin and Tijala both excelled in engaging audience participation and in delivering meaningful heartfelt messages and raising awareness to pressing community issues.
The story highlights environmental concerns of Australia’s endangered Bogong Moth. It interweaves fascinating information which will hopefully inspire discussions and awareness to save this admirable insect. The content also delves into unsettling concerns of juvenile detainment and spreads awareness that children as young as ten years old are being imprisoned. This is heartbreaking and our nation can and should do better by our children. There are infinitely superior ways to help children grow and learn to be respectful and responsible future adults.
The performance also highlights our younger generation’s phone addiction and how they are sadly spending less time being at one with the outdoors and nature. They discuss how essential it is to one’s health and well-being to feel grounded to the earth and mother nature.
The Bogong’s Song at Bangarra Dance Theatre is a thoroughly entertaining cultural experience to be enjoyed by all ages.
They beautifully capture First Nations culture in the past, present and future and take the audience on a remarkable dreaming experience. The Bogong’s Song is a meaningful and rewarding performance not to be missed.
To book tickets to The Bogong’s Song: A Call To Country, please visit https://www.bangarra.com.au/productions/the-bogongs-song/.
