Jasmin Sheppard in rehearsal. Image by Jess Bialek.
The forthcoming Bangarra Dance Theatre production of Patyegarang has given Indigenous dancer Jasmin Sheppard a unique chance to express her culture and country on stage through dance. ‘It’s been exciting to embody a character and take her story on a journey from beginning to end, and each day that passes I discover more complexities in her story and character,’ she said.
‘Both Patyegarang and I share the kangaroo as one of our totems. In fact, that’s what Patyegarang’s name means. There’s also a confidence of spirit that we share also. She is a proud woman, with a great deal of courage, and I see parts of that within myself, however I’d like those parts to grow.’
Opening 12 June at Sydney Opera House, and followed by a national tour, Patyegarang marks the 25th anniversary of the company and the first time that Bangarra has told a ‘Sydney story’ to audiences in a full length work.
Choreographed by Bangarra’s Artistic Director Stephen Page, Sheppard said the production had drawn inspiration from colonial notebooks penned by explorer William Dawes and reflecting an extraordinary exchange of trust and friendship between two separate worlds.
She hopes that audiences will be able to connect with this exchange and see Sydney as a city that lives and breathes ancient culture. ‘The creative development journey for Patyegarang has been one of deep discovery of Sydney’s Aboriginal past and also present. I’ve learned a lot about not only her, but also her people, and the things I hold in common with her.
‘Patyegarang will have the iconic Bangarra style which has made it a unique company, but each dancer also brings their style to every work. The wonderful part about telling this Sydney story is that the ancient dance influences from totems of the Eora has contributed greatly to the style,’ she said.
While Bangarra continues to break new ground in presenting Indigenous culture on stage, Sheppard said that there’s more work that needs to be done in the arts.
‘I think that Indigenous representation onstage is increasing, particularly in dramatic theatre and also on the small screen [but] I’d like to see more Indigenous dance and I’d like to see Indigenous dancers being represented more within mainstream companies. As it stands it is difficult and rare to find this,’ she concluded.
The national tour of Patyegarang by Bangarra Dance Theatre opens at Sydney Opera House from 12 June, followed by seasons at Canberra Theatre Centre, the State Theatre Perth, QPAC Brisbane and Arts Centre Melbourne.
For tickets and more information visit the Bangarra Theatre Company website.
