'Belong'
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Playhouse
1 – 9 July

Rekindling Indigenous culture, internationally acclaimed Bangarra Dance Theatre has created an original and breathtaking theatrical experience – Belong.

Belong features two new dance theatre works: ID by Artistic Director, Stephen Page and About by Elma Kris, choreographer and dancer with Bangarra.

Stephen Page investigates what it means to be Aboriginal in the 21st century, asking important questions of identity. Based on personal observations of people tracing their bloodlines and re–connecting with traditional culture, ID provokes perceptions in contemporary society.

Torres Strait Islander Elma Kris is inspired by customs passed down through families for generations. Reflecting the strong links between communities and their natural environment, About explores the mood of the winds as they move across land, sea and sky signifying key moments in time.

At the heart of Bangarra Dance Theatre are challenging social and political questions. As Indigenous people, who are we and where do we belong?

Bangarra creates a truly Australian theatrical experience that connects the spirit of traditional culture with our contemporary lives. Always uplifting and deeply moving, Belong will transform perceptions of the places we call home.

The Mabo Oration 2011
Follow the stars: Indigenous culture, knowledge and intellectual property rights
Playhouse
3 July 2011

The stars are navigational tools for Torres Strait Islanders and other Indigenous peoples. Within the stars are stories, culture, law and the link from the past to the future. Join speaker Terri Janke to pay tribute to the work of Eddie Mabo and examine the cultural heritage and rights of Indigenous people in protecting their knowledge, arts and cultural heritage.

Koiki ('Eddie') Mabo was a crusader for Indigenous land rights: fighting and winning a ten-year legal battle with the Queensland Government in the High Court of Australia in 1992. As a result of this court ruling, the proposition known as Terra Nullius was struck down and Koiki became an icon for the struggle for recognition and land rights by the Indigenous peoples of Australia and the Torres Strait. He died shortly before the High Court brought down its verdict.

Presentor Terri Janke was born in north Queensland and has family connections to Cairns, the Torres Strait Islands (Meriam Mir) and Cape York Peninsula (Wuthathi). She has had extensive experience as a lawyer specialising in Indigenous intellectual property, cultural heritage, media and business law and has worked in both the community and commercial law sector.

The Mabo Oration 2011 will also include commentary by Bryan Keon-Cohen QC and performances by didgeridoo artist David Williams and award-winning duo, Busby Marou.

This event will be signed by Auslan interpreters.

For more information visit the QPAC website