SongRites Song Spirals

  • First Nations
  • Dance
  • Studio
  • Run time - 60 minutes

Let the Milkarri dance around you in this Sydney Premiere

Song Spirals is an immersive journey into the language, culture and Country of celebrated creator Rosealee Pearson. Ancient Yolŋu rhythm and songs are brought to life through stunning movement in this powerful dance work performed in Sydney for the first time. With dance, music and mesmerising projections, this performance weaves together age-old tradition and bold contemporary artistry to transport you to the heart of Yolŋu Country.

Adapted from the groundbreaking book which won the Prime Minister's Award for Non-Fiction, Song Spirals is a spellbinding new dance work by Yolŋu artist and choreographer Rosealee Pearson. Drawing on the deep cultural power of Milkarri, the Yolŋu women’s practice of crying songlines, this performance brings the Yolŋu Matha language to life through the dancer’s bodies. 

This special performance inspired by the award-winning book written by the Gay’wu group of women, premiered at Darwin Festival last year. Each movement draws from traditional forms, as dancers use their bodies to shape words, rhythms and stories. Set against a backdrop of sound and projection, the performance offers a vivid, contemporary expression of Yolŋu culture grounded in ancestral practice.

Set to a vibrant original score by composer Andrew Grimes, the music uses the ancient rhythms and songs of the Milkarri in contemporary compositions, as the dancers become the canvas for stunning visuals created by Video Artist, Naina Sen.

The Sydney Opera House thanks Event Sponsor Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and Idealist donors R O Albert Family and Dr Russell & Jane Kift for their generous support of SongRites.

A very special thank you to Yuwaalaraay Wirringgaa artist Lucy Simpson for the creation of our DanceRites artwork.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Event details

I hope this work inspires you all to explore and learn more of the connection that we Yolŋu have to this land, the water, the air, and each other.

Rosealee Pearson

Meet the artists

Credits

Naina Sen
Video Design

Sean Pardy
Lighting Design

Annie Winter
Production Manager

Eve Lynch
Stage Manager

Letitia Firth
Technical Designer & QLAB

Event sponsor

  • Harbour Trust

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Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Studio

The Studio is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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