The curtain rises in the midst of a breaking storm. Claps of thunder break the silence. As darkness engulfs the stage, sudden flashes of lightening show brief glimpses of the dancers as they cluster together upon the stage.
A feast for the senses, Terrain transports the audience to a world inspired by Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) Australia’s largest salt lake that encompasses a catchment area of over 1.2 million square kilometres, or about one sixth of the area of Australia. Performed in nine sections or ‘state of experiencing’, each section shares a unique perspective on the relationship between the Aboriginal people who have maintained their deep connection to the basin for thousands of years and the land.
Each spellbinding section explores an individual aspect of the landscape and the spirit of the Arabunna people who measure their days by the length of their shadows, their months by the level of salt crust of the lake and their years by the rise and fall of the water that rushes through to transform the dry desert with an abundance of new life.
Hear the ancestral Calling to Country in Red Brick and witness the struggle for Land Rights and Recognition during Shields. See the passing of knowledge and customs during Reborn and be mesmerised by the dancers as they mimic the flowing movements of the trees in Spinifex. Experience the vastness and ancient power of the landscape in Salt and the delicate balance that exists between the environment and humanity in Scar. Watch as the land heals and regenerates through it’s connection with the Arabunna people in Landform and delight in the wonder of Reflect as the earth meets the sky. And finally we experience a glorious transformation as the rain pours down bringing forth the beauty of new life in Deluge.
Terrain is a uniquely technical body of work that allows you to experience the cycle of life as the dancers depict the wonder of the land through the power of regeneration and healing. “It’s only from living there, being on the ground for generations, that you can understand how to care for Australia,” explains Frances Rings. “That knowledge is powerful and valuable. We all need to learn and listen to this. Our country is unique, through cycles of rebirth, transformation, of drought and deluge, the more we understand those cycles we can protect that for our future.”
Terrain
28 – 30 July 2022 Canberra Theatre Centre
4 – 13 August 2022 Queensland Performing Arts Centre
