Set on a darkened stage, six men dancing in a circular formation. Joined by a seventh male, the energy increases and soon the men have formed a line and run repeatedly toward the audience, their torsos painted white and their backs painted black. Bangarra's latest work Blak is performed in three acts. The first is Scar, detailing the physical and mental challenges young indigenous men encounter. Explored through curated fight sequences, pairs of lean bodies contort masterfully in slow motion. In Yearning, a group of women dressed in blue perform melancholic vignettes illustrating death and the bittersweet experience of growing from innocence to maturity. The two groups gather in the Keepers, honoring the elders and traditional culture. Blak is dark and sensual, describing the intricacies of identity, responsibility, and relationships, of reconciling the traditional past with the urban present. The score is expertly arranged, fusing traditional pieces with scratch and hip-hop. The lighting design complements the personal and organic nature of the narrative, particularly the skillful moves of the performers around a singular light sweeping in an arc over the stage. Excellent performances from all artists, in particular Waangenga Blanco, Elma Kris, Jasmin Sheppard, and Yolande Brown, along with guest artist Hunter Page-Lochard.
Sydney Opera House to Saturday 29 June.
