| Mathinna | Bangarra Dance Theatre |
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Bangarra Dance Theatre continues to resonate world-wide as an acclaimed contemporary dance company of unique style, committed to the traditions of Indigenous culture.
This June, for a limited season they will bring Stephen Page’s exhilarating new work Mathinna to life.
Inspired by a young girl’s journey between two cultures, Mathinna traces the fragmented history of a young Aboriginal girl removed from her traditional life, adopted into Western Colonial society to be ultimately returned to the fragments of her original heritage.
Young Mary was born on Flinders Island, Tasmania in 1835 to the Chief of the Lowreenne tribe, Towgerer, and his wife Wongerneep. As a young girl, Mary captured the hearts of Governor Sir John and Lady Jane Franklin and was adopted into their household at Government House in Hobart. Mary was renamed Mathinna. Somewhat an educational and charitable project, Mathinna was raised with the Governor's daughter Eleanor and was described as a ‘very nice, intelligent child’.
When Governor Sir John and Lady Jane Franklin returned to England, Mathinna was sent to the Queen’s Orphan School in Hobart where she struggled to adjust. When Mathinna was sixteen she left the School to rejoin the last remaining of her people at an Aboriginal station at Oyster Cove, south of Hobart. At this settlement Mathinna’s life came to a disheartening end.
Mathinna became the archetype of the ‘stolen child’ and, in this brand new work, Bangarra Dance Theatre recreates her powerful story of vulnerability and searching in an era of confusion and intolerance.
As a prominent Australian Indigenous arts leader and following his recent honour as NSW Australian of the Year, Artistic Director Stephen Page evokes the traditional Indigenous spirit in this latest full-length work.
QPC presents
Mathinna
Bangarra Dance Theatre
A Girl's Journey Between Two Cultures
Choreography Stephen Page
Music David Page
Set Design Peter England
Lighting Design Damien Cooper
Costume Design Jennifer Irwin
Venue: Playhouse, QPAC
Season: 29 May - 7 June
Times: Wednesday – Saturday, 7.30pm; Saturday 7 June at 2pm.
Tickets: $24.50 to $55
Bookings: 136 246 or qtix.com.au
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