Bukuminkum by Gary Lang - Creative Development - WAB 2025 - Image credit Edify Media
Bukuminkum, face forgotten in Yolŋgu Matha, is an Indigenous Australian contemporary work inspired by Giselle's Second Act, created by Gary Lang, Artistic Director of NT Dance Company in collaboration with Banula Marika. Arising from the real-life story of a celebrated First Nations dancer and pioneer, the work reveals betrayal after being cast off by colleagues and family and honouring their resilience.
A large-scale production, the creative development phase will focus on music composition, dramaturgy, and choreography, extending Lang’s signature Long grass ballet style in collaboration with Banula Marika with traditional manikay (song) and buŋgul (dance).
““We, Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians alike, have a tendency to honour our people and their journeys after they have passed away but Bukuminkum is about remembering and honouring our people while they are still with us. Teaching our youth about the legacy that came before them and carved the path that they can travel now. “ ”
CREATIVE TEAM
Gary Lang (Larrakia) - Director / Choreographer
Banula Marika (Rirratjingu clan, Yolngu) - Cultural Consultant / Songman
Serene Yunupingu (Boorooberongal clan of the Dharug Nation and the Gumatj Clan, Yolngu) - Cultural Consultant
Noelle Shader - Rehearsal Director / Dramaturg
Evie Ferris (Taribelang, South Sea Islander) - Lead Performer
Alex Abbot - Lead Performer
Claire Voss - Lead Performer
Wren Milera (Aboriginal) - Performer
Elijah-Jade Bowen (Mununjali, Nunukul, Guugu Yimithirr) - Performer
Ruby Platemotley - Performer
Hannah Hebblethwaite - Performer
Sam Pankhurst - Composer
Hannah Portwine - BlakDance Stage Manager
Simon Cook (Mamu) - BlakDance Production Manager
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government's Major Festivals Initiative, managed by Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by Darwin Festival and Sydney Festival, and produced by BlakDance.
This project is supported by Creative Australia - Projects funding.
