Local Indigenous performers and aspiring performers are invited to get down to Lismore City Hall for a fun, three-hour workshop with dancer and choreographer Frances Rings and composer David Page, who are both currently artists in residence at the renowned Bangarra Dance Theatre based in Sydney.
Participants will explore contemporary and hip-hop dance moves; learn vocal skills for acting and freestyling; connect with Bundjalung culture and language; and show it all off to an open floor. These workshops are a chance to share some skills, collaborate, and inspire each other.
Local performer and Bundjalung man Mitch King will be delivering the workshops with the artists as part of his role as trainee associate producer with NORPA.
‘These two workshops are a chance for the locals to connect with what we’re doing at NORPA, show off their talents and to collaborate with the professional artists working on the project. We are also looking for talent for the future,’ says Mitch.
‘For the workshops I have made some recordings of Bundjalung language and songs with elder Uncle Roy Gordon. Composer David Page will be cutting these language recordings together to create music for the workshops.
‘As an Aboriginal person it was a privilege to listen to Roy’s stories, share his knowledge and to get a sense of the strength of his cultural knowledge and passion for culture,’ says Mitch. ‘I’m also really excited to be working with composer David Page and choreographer Frances Rings on this project. Frances and I will be devising the dance moves to accompany the music.
‘Don’t miss your chance to come meet these artists working on our broader project Bundjalung Ngahri: The Gathering. The Gathering is a NORPA generator project. It’s a homegrown work. Over the next two years we’re developing this new work with local and national artists from scratch.’
The workshops will be held on Friday May 16 from 5 till 8pm and Saturday May 17 from 10am till 1 pm at NORPA, Lismore City Hall, 1 Bounty St, Lismore.
Admission to the workshops are free but bookings are essential – NORPA Box office: 1300 066 772.
Owing to limited places preference will be given to participants who identify as ATSI. Ages 16+.
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