We attended Waru – journey of the small turtle as guests of Bangarra Dance Theatre
Waru – journey of a small turtle is the first production specifically for children by legendary First Nations company Bangarra Dance Theatre. Bangarra’s work is always deeply moving, thoughtful, energetic, and spiritual, so I was delighted to be able to share their work with my 5 year old artsplorer.
Waru is created by Stephen Page – who is in his final season as Bangarra’s Artistic Director after 30 years – along with his son Hunter Page-Lochard and Bangarra alumni Dancers and Choreographers Sani Townson and Elma Kris. It is “a contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle.”
Elma Kris is Malu, A Torres Strait Island woman, who is custodian to her island – and particularly fond of the sea turtles who nest there. Through her narration, we follow the hatching, birth, first year at sea, and eventual return of Migi the turtle. Migi, along with several other characters including a pesky lizard, are played by Aba Bero.
The show is gentle, opening with a whispered Acknowledgement of Country, that sets little ears to listening. The set glows warmly – an island home for Malu and Migi – in a blue and brown palette, accented with twinkling lights and projections. Kris’s Malu is a captivating storyteller who makes interesting even daily tasks like sweeping her floors. Her care for the journey of Migi is our care. Using words, music, and movement, she takes us through a year of the turtle’s life.
The show is designed for 3 – 7 year olds, and though it is a quiet piece, it also has the energy to sustain kids in that squirmy age for the full 45 minutes. Turtles are a captivating subject: each time Migi appears on stage, you could hear delighted murmurs from little voices. The audience is regularly invited to join in with movement. And, there are some moments of delightful levity, including Malu’s ’70’s action movie inspired karate moves against an egg-hungry lizard.
Bangarra has thoughtfully created a fully immersive experience, with activities and displays in the foyer. They have partnered with the Australian National Maritime Museum to provide craft activities. My Miss 5 especially loved making a ghost net turtle, which she brought into the show with her. There are informational displays on the wall to help build conversations around the Torres-Strait islands, turtles and conservation. Stunning ghost net sculptures hand on the walls and help create quiet picture book stations. Taking in the foyer activities really helped set the scene and tone for the show, so do get there early, if you’re able.
Waru – journey of the small turtle is a mind and body experience that creates images of Torres-Strait culture and sounds of language for young people to carry with them. Through storytelling, it opens conversations about the fragility of the marine ecosystems and our role in responsible stewardship.
Waru – journey of the small turtle runs through October 9 at Bangarra Studio Theatre (Wharf 4/5).
Tickets, schedule, and a learning resource guide are available on the Bangarra website.
Run time: 45 minutes (no interval)
Craft activities are available in the foyer one hour before and after each show.