Sacred Space
Silent Thought
Yawalyu: Lajamanu Yawalyu women’s traditional ceremonial dances

A compelling three-piece performance: THE OPPORTUNITY OF DISTANCE was a distinctive slice of Territory life. Its inspiration came from remote Aboriginal communities and life in the Northern Territory. Tracks takes its work to places where there is already some connection. In this case it was family connections. Our Lajamanu family insisted on meeting our real ‘Down South Families’.

PHOTO: Tim Newth

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SACRED SPACE looked at the effect remote Aboriginal communities have on European people such as ourselves; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Strangers in a strange land.

SACRED SPACE was a multimedia work, blending movement, images, design, language, music and text.

For more information see: 1994: SACRED SPACE

Inspired by John Williamson’s version of Ted Egan’s song, the Drover’s Boy, this work explored the role of black and white relationships in outback Australia. The story alluded to a young Aboriginal woman who is both ‘stockman’ and bed mate to a drover in the North.

The ‘stockman’ was taken away from family and dominated and broken like an animal, all the while satisfying the sexual desire of the drover. The relationship was hazardous, ambiguous and dangerous. It exposed the hidden dilemma of a man showing affection when he should not, all the more poignant when she/he dies.

For more information see: 1993: LAND: Silent Thought

Traditional dances from the Central Desert. The Lajamanu women paint up, singing on body designs, and present traditional dances.

Sacred Space
"An honest, powerful and emotional performance….an expression of a wish for understanding between two cultures…a poignant and striking glimpse into aspects of Territory life."
Geraldine Green, NT NEWS

Silent Thought
"Fresh, alert, compact."
Robin Grove, The Age, Melbourne

"A triumph."
Robin Grove, The Age, Melbourne

Yawalyu, Lajamanu ceremonial dances
"I had the unusual feeling of never having seen this before, something genuinely ‘authentic'."
Eleanor Brickhill, Real Time

Choreography

Lighting Designer, Operator & Touring Production Manager

Matthew James

Additional text

Karen Sassella

Original Music

Robb Hoad, Merrilee Mills

Sarah Calver, David McMicken, Karyn Sassella, Rob Hoad, Merrilee Mills

Yawalyu, Lajamanu ceremonial dancers
Myra Nungarrayi Patrick, Molly Napurrula Tasman
Rosie Napurrula, Maise Napangardi Granites, Gladys Napangardi Kelly, Topsy Nangala, Judy Napaljarri Walker, Alice Napaljarri Kelly