‘Groundbreaking and compelling’ Djuki Mala. Image via Perth Fringe World 2017.
In their debut Perth performance, this vibrant high energy Indigenous dance ensemble, Djuki Mala from North East Arnhem Land were greeted with rapturous applause at Fringe World 2017. Ten years down the track from the YouTube sensation when founder Frank Djirrimbilpilwuy Garawirrtja posted what were then known as ‘the chooky dancers online’, quickly amassing half a million hits, they have since travelled around the world including Canada and China and much of the rest of Australia (but never in Perth until now). Djuki is the adopted word for ‘chook’ and ‘Mala’ means a group of people who share a common feature.
The five dancers burst onto the stage dressed in traditional costumes and ochre – with spears and spear throwers and jumping legs and flying arms – belying a powerful focus and lightness of touch. There are evocative film images of fire, traditional singing with stick clapping and beautiful trees to frame these first few dances. When they’re stepping out like birds in the bush, heads held erect, feet high containing the imperiousness of birds (who don’t need human culture) is instantly communicated. The genuineness in the power inherent in these dancers is evident so we are in awe but also a down to earth humility is always there, often expressed in comedic interchanges or huge grins.
After several dances they switch track to contemporary dance and their exuberant cheekiness really comes to the fore. The first contemporary dance work they do is Zorba the Greek which was the original YouTube clip. We find out through video interviews as the troupe are off stage changing that this is in homage to a Greek friend who nursed Frank’s sister Priscilla. They have performed this hit in Greece by invitation of the descendants and creator of the movie, Zorba the Greek.
There are elements of clowning in the works, for example with the gold turbaned, dark sunnies King of the Jungle piece, which we are told via the video inserts between dances that clowning is part of the Yolngu culture. This is related to culture in that ‘it’s tradition to make up stupid dances and do them at the initiation ceremony to make it more of a fun day for the young boy’. There is raunchy hip swivelling dancing as well as down to earth moves and King of the Jungle concludes with a multi-armed display with all the dancers standing in front of each other.
The video inserts continue throughout the performance with elders and Frank’s wife Janice, providing a valuable insight and important narrative link to understanding the lives of the dancers we are watching. What stays with you is their big grins as they are dancing – this is joyous non self-conscious dancing. What is clear is that we are watching a re-invention of pop culture with Yolngu dance, clowning and storytelling that is immediately communicated to their audience – there is no need for translation here.
The re-interpretations of contemporary pop culture are incredibly rewarding parts of this performance, as well as observing the trajectory from traditional indigenous dance to modern day dance (with stops at rap, motown, breakdance and techno along the way). There is an ease of dance movements and enviable lightness of touch as legs swirl and cycle upwards perpendicular to their bodies. There is also a warmly welcomed Michael Jackson medley swinging through Thriller, Billie Jean and of course the Moondance! They are shown at their best as a troupe rather than as individual dancers, as evidenced towards the end when only one dancer is on stage. The whole is complemented by each individual. Both Yalyanwuy Gondarra and Tibian Wyles however must be highlighted; for leadership in the case of Yalyanwuy.
The Spiegeltent fantastically reflects back mirrored images of the dancers with great use of lighting and endless reflections – particularly pertinent in their version of Singin’ in the Rain. Unfortunately it’s only half full with 150 people having the benefit of seeing this midweek performance. Djuki Mala have performed at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival and the Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala so Perth audiences have been missing out on this unique cross cultural fusion dance phenomena – but not anymore. You have until 14 February to get along to the Spiegeltent to see this highly recommended unique performance.
Pull out all stops to get a ticket as it’s something that will long stay with you as a symbol of groundbreaking compelling Indigenous and Australian culture. As one of the dancers on video says – ‘I see joy and smiles when people come to our show and I feel like they recognise us’. It feels good as our predominantly Caucasian city audience stands wildly applauding to honour these fantastically talented and dedicated Yolngu dancers.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5
Djuki Mala
Performed by dancers Yalyalwuy Gondarra, Tibian Cristopher Wyles, Didwarr Yunupingu, Baykali Ganambarr, Marko (Watjarr) Dhubanpuy
Director by Joshua Bond
Associate Producer by Monique Harvey.
Cinematography by Naina Sen
Interviews Janice Multhara Garawirrtja, Djapana Wunungmurra, Djamangi Gaykamangu.
Salon Perdu Spiegeltent, The Pleasure Garden Russell Square, James St, FringeWorld 2017 at 6.30pm. 26th – 31st January and 1st – 14th February 2017 (excluding 6th and 13th).
