[category]
[title]
A landmark collaboration between the Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre springs to life in Flora, a major new full-length work by Frances Rings that draws on Australian native flora as a living witness to the continent’s history – from creation to colonisation and renewal.
The fourth collaboration between the companies and the first under their current artistic directors, Flora builds on nearly three decades of shared history, from Rites (1997) to Warumuk – in the dark night (2012). More than 35 dancers from both ensembles come together, blending classical ballet with First Nations movement and storytelling, accompanied by a live original score by Kalkadungu musician William Barton.
Drawing on creation stories and Indigenous ecological knowledge, the work will trace cycles of origin, disruption and regeneration: from yams sleeping beneath the earth to towering gum trees standing like sentinels across the generations. It acknowledges the environmental and ruptures of colonisation, including the arrival of introduced species, while foregrounding renewal through fire and the enduring care of Country by First Nations peoples.
The production promises to be a feast for the senses. It features sculptural set design by Elizabeth Gadsby, lighting by Karen Norris and textured costumes by Meriam Samsep, with Barton’s live score performed by Orchestra Victoria.
Flora marks a defining new chapter in the relationship between the Australian Ballet and Bangarra, placing First Nations storytelling centre stage. It is showing at the Regent Theatre until March 21 – you can buy tickets and learn more about the production here.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.