Review: Fire - A Retrospective

Published in the Sun Herald

Fire: A Retrospective
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Until 29 September
Tickets $55-65
Bookings (02) 9250 7777
Critic’s Rating 7/10


This retrospective of Bangarra Dance Theatre’s 20-year-history feels as much like a family celebration as it does a reflection on one of this country’s finest contemporary arts groups.

Just like Bangarra's humble beginnings, this production opens with a cocoon, suspended in the air, from which a solitary dancer emerges head first and drops to the floor.

With Stephen Page as choreographer and Frances Ring and Bernadette Walong-Sene as co-choreographers, the three have brought together a showcase of the company’s prolific work over the decades.

What is most moving about their work is the way it blends the traditional and sacred so tightly with contemporary styles and themes.

Whether it’s the beautiful Blankets from Rations (2002), Ochres (1995) or the traditional Torres Strait dances towards the end of the showcase, Bangarra has a timeless quality that is made evident by the continuing power of their works.

There are also moments of great sadness as the company pays tribute to Page’s brother Russell who passed away in 2002 with an earth dance.

There are some problems when the multimedia elements of sound and visuals dominate the work on the stage, but with costumes by Jennifer Irwin, set design by Peter England and a brilliant sound design by David Page and Steve Francis, the production maintains its energy and honours the work of this most important Australian dance company.