Ancient Yolŋu rhythm and songs are brought to life through stunning movement in this world premiere dance event.
A feast for the senses, Song Spirals invites you to experience the language, culture and Country of creator Rosealee Pearson through music, dance and projections. The music of the Milkarri (song spirals) are transformed in contemporary compositions by Andrew Grimes, as the dancers become the canvas for stunning projections created by video artist Naina Sen.
Inspired by the 2020 award-winning book written by the Gay’wu group of women, Song Spirals blends the Yolŋu women’s role in crying the ancient Milkarri with movement that spells out Yolŋu Matha language through the dancers’ bodies. The result transports you to the heart of Yolŋu country for a sensory experience that combines age old tradition with contemporary creativity.
Presented by Darwin Festival and Brown’s Mart
Credits
Director & Choreographer Rosealee Pearson
Cultural Consultants Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs & Djawundil Maymuru
Composer & Sound Designer Andrew Grimes
Video Artist Naina Sen
Lighting Designer Sean Pardy
Dancers include Henrietta Baird, Maddison Fraser, Brianna Kemmerling, Harlisha Newie-Joe
Photo Naina Sen