On 30 September 2009 a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the city of Padang in West Sumatra, killing over 1,000 people and injuring another 3,000. Leading Indonesian dance company Nan Jombang survived but lost its arts centre, and from its experiences of that devastating event comes the stunning new dance work Tarian Malam (Night Dances).

Tarian Malam is a powerful work that showcases Nan Jombang's compelling fusion of traditional Minangkabau arts (including drumming, dance, martial arts), spirituality and contemporary movement. With vitality and grace the performers portray the forces of nature aligning with the fortunes of humanity, particularly women, whose role is central to the matrilineal Minangkabau culture.

Nan Jombang's signature body and costume percussion is complimented with traditional West Sumatran drums and a design that references traditional West Sumatra staging and features earthquake footage. This exquisite and illuminating artistic conversation between traditional form and modernity is a moving reflection on the chaos of natural disaster.


To coincide with these performances of Tarian Malam, Brown's Mart Courtyard is transformed into Little Indonesia with performances, music, workshops and hawker style food.  

Supported by the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia and the Commonwealth through the Australia-Indonesia Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Playking Foundation. Co-commissioned by Darwin Festival, The Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay and Brisbane Powerhouse