Sydney Reviews

The incredible Bangarra Dance Theatre has shifted their artistry toward inspiring and empowering children through dance. As a company of professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers, storytelling is their natural strength. Their first performance, Waru – Journey of the Small Turtle, embodies everything we expect from Bangarra: exceptional storytelling, joyful dance, stunning costume and set design, and the professionalism of a company that has captivated audiences for 34 years.

Sometimes, in an age where technology floods us with content, storytelling can feel like a lost art. Yet Waru reminds us that it is an integral part of the human experience. The performance unfolds at a deliberate pace, inviting audiences to engage. Just when younger viewers began to fidget, Elma Kris skillfully drew them back in, calling on them to help the mother turtle reach her nest and teaching dances to guide the baby turtles to their watery homes. These interactive moments fostered a sense of connection to the narrative and the countless little turtles journeying from sandy nests to the vast ocean.

Kris serves as a delightful guide through this timeless tale, playfully blending traditional storytelling with modern elements. A photo of Bruce Lee, the Kung-Fu master, watches over her as she employs her "ninja" skills in a battle against a lizard, protecting the laid eggs. With humor, she invites the audience to visit Bunnings to replicate her unique fishing reel, reminding us that her story is not a distant myth, but a vibrant narrative interwoven with the present and future by the threads of the past.

Aba Sessie Bero brings the animals to life. The turtle as it sweeps the sand over its freshly laid eggs, the lizard as it lurks in the shadows hungry for eggs and avoiding the deadly broom of Kris. They danced and moved in costumes that were bold and beautiful and it was delightful.

There is a free creative play space at the Opera House where folk big and small can weave their own turtles and it is a lovely way to either start the experience or wrap it up. Waru is not to be missed as Kris connects us to the earth and sea in a spirited and flawless manner.