Winner of 2023 Best Production for Children, Bangarra Dance Theatre Announces ‘Waru’ 2024 Tour
Press Release
City
Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company, Bangarra Dance Theatre will tour their stunning work for children, Waru – journey of the small turtle from 26 June to 9 November 2024. Winner of the Sydney Theatre Awards ‘Best Production for Children’ in 2023, Waru is a must-see Australian work for children aged 3 and up, having been performed over 80 times across its two critically acclaimed seasons, reaching over 17,000.
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 seven 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.
Waru is created by Bangarra’s former artistic director and multi award-winning choreographer Stephen Page, together with Hunter Page-Lochard (ABC TV’s Playschool, Spear, ABC TV’s Cleverman), 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.
Director Stephen Page said: “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.” Waru writer Hunter Page-Lochard said: “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”.
MEANJIN
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
26th to 29th June
https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/waru-journey-of-the-small-turtle
TARIBELANG BUNDA, GOORENG GOORENG, GURAN, BAILAI COUNTRY
Moncreiff Entertainment Centre
25th September
https://aubundaberg.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/133087
GIABAL, JARROWAIR COUNTRY
Empire Theatre 28th September
GADIGAL
Sydney Opera House
9th – 10th October
https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/book-now/246960/0
BUNURONG COUNTRY
Bunjil Place
14th October
https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/waru
DJAARA COUNTRY
Ulumbarra Theatre
17th – 18th October
KOMBUMERRI COUNTRY
HOTA: Gold Coast
23rd October
https://hota.com.au/whats-on/live/dance/waru-journey-of-the-small-turtle
TULMUR
Ipswich Civic Centre
25th October
https://www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/event/waru-journey-of-the-small-turtle/
BAILAI, GURANG, GOORENG GOORENG, TARIBELANG BUNDA COUNTRY
Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre
29th October
DARUMBAL COUNTRY
Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
31st October – 1st November
https://www.seeitlive.com.au/What’s-On/Waru
https://www.seeitlive.com.au/What’s-On/Waru
NGUNNAWAL COUNTRY
Canberra Theatre Centre
7th – 9th November
https://www.canberraticketing.com.au/show/waru-2024
