Bukuminkum Creative Development 2024 image by Paz Tassone
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.
“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. “
- Gary Lang, Artistic Director Gary Lang NT Dance Company
A large-scale production, the creative development phase will focus on music composition, dramaturgy, and choreography, extending Lang’s signature Larrakia style in collaboration with Banula Marika with traditional manikay (song) and buŋgul (dance).
CREATIVE TEAM
Artistic Director and Choreographer: Gary Lang (Larrakia)
Cultural Advisor and Custodian: Banula Marika (Rirratjingu)
Sound Composition: Sam Pankhurst
Set and projections: Sam James
Producer: Eva Mullaley (Yamatji/Noongar), BlakDance





IMAGE CREDITS
Sound Development 2025 images supplied by BlakDance
Creative Development 2024 images by Paz Tassone
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.
Bukuminkum is supported by Plus1 funding from Creative Australia, Gary Lang NT Dance Company donors, The Australian Ballet, The West Australian Ballet.
The 2024 development was supported by Miku Performing Arts and the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.