Three stunning Indigenous art exhibitions will form the backdrop to Petroglyphs-Signs of Life, when the award-winning contemporary dance production returns to the gallery spaces at Tandanya this October/November for a second Adelaide season. 

A collaboration between South Australia’s Leigh Warren & Dancers, Indigenous choreographer Gina Rings (who also performs in the production) and Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, Petroglyphs-Signs of Lifecombines performances by Indigenous and non-Indigenous dancers with live music, sound composition & visual art.

The production received rave reviews when it premiered in Adelaide in 2005 – culminating with co-choreographers Leigh Warren and Gina Rings picking up the 2005 Adelaide Critics Circle Innovation Award for their collaborative efforts.

A stellar new line-up of performers has been assembled for the return Adelaide season which comprises seven performances in total. Deon Hastie, Kynan Hughes, Jo Roads & Gala Moody from Leigh Warren & Dancers will be joined by a number of guest Indigenous dancers – including three former members of Bangarra Dance Theatre: Gina Rings, Albert David & Sani Townson – as well as Rosealee Pearson, Ian Colless, Ella Havelka & Nancy Cook. The cast will also include two Indigenous singers from the central desert.

“We are honoured to have dancers of the calibre of Albert David and Sani Townson enriching this production in 2008,” says Gina Rings. “It will be a wonderful opportunity for them to pass on their experience and creativity to some of Australia’s emerging young Indigenous dancers. As for the singers, they will add depth and an extra dimension to the performance.”

Free from the confines of a conventional performance space, the production will literally move its way through Tandanya’s galleries as it explores some of the unique elements of the Australian landscape, language and people through the oldest form of visual communication - petroglyphs. The three Indigenous art exhibitions will feature some 60 works from Papulankutja Artists, Iwantja Arts & Mimili Maku Arts and Mimi Arts and Crafts. How the dancers relate to the art works and the singers is what will make each performance unique.

“The very nature of this production allows the dancers to participate in an extremely personal and spontaneous fashion,” says Leigh Warren. “As the performance moves through the galleries some of the dancers will even create their own petroglyphs – or signs – out of ochre. It’s fascinating to see what each performer will bring to the production through their various cultural backgrounds.”

Behind the scenes, Adelaide’s India Flint will again design & produce the production’s unique costumes, utilising her trademark eco-print. The music is composed by Brett Dean. This mesmerising collaboration between South Australian contemporary dance company, Leigh Warren & Dancers and Indigenous choreographer, Gina Rings explores some of the unique elements of the Australian landscape, language and people through the oldest form of visual communication, petroglyphs.

When:

8pm      30, 31 October & 1, 4, 5, 6 November
4pm      2 November

Where:

Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute
253 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Adults:   $25
Concession: $18

Bookings:

Contact Leigh Warren & Dancers on 08 8212 5660