Illume

Step out of the shadows and into the phenomena of light – the central life force of our planet. From the extraordinary Bangarra Dance Theatre comes an iridescent new theatrical experience, drawing together music, visual arts and dance to explore the ways light has captivated and sustained Indigenous cultural existence for millennia. 

Today, artificial light pollution disrupts ecosystems and obscures the dark night sky, devastating First Nations people’s connections to sky country and limiting their ability to share celestial knowledge and skylore. First Nations people stand on the precipice of the world under threat.

Mirning Choreographer Frances Rings and Goolarrgon Bard Visual Artist Darrell Sibosado’s collaboration explores the awe of light, a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. It charts the impacts of light pollution in a climate emergency. Illume asks the urgent question: is the deep wisdom passed down from elders enough to illuminate a path forward from the shadows of a dark future?

Journey with us through a kaleidoscope of images, patterns and synergies into the otherworldly language of light. 

Please note that this production contains elevated sound levels, flashing lights, haze, smoke effects and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have passed.

Video by Cass Eipper
Photo by Daniel Boud