Performer and spectator, Indigenous and non-Indigenous all become part of a thrilling dance party and discover the beauty of corroboree in Garabari. Photo: Jeff Busby.
The air thrums with drumbeats, dancers draw you in and the boundaries between performer and audience dissolve — this is Garabari. Step inside, and you’re no mere spectator, but part of a living, breathing corroboree.
Presented by Merrigong Theatre Company in association with BlakDance, Garabari is an inclusive, immersive, multisensory theatre experience like no other by acclaimed choreographer and Wiradjuri artist Joel Bray.
Audience participation is integral to Garabari, according to proud Dunghutti Gomeroi woman and Garabari performer Zoe Brown-Holten.
“Garabari is the Wiradjuri word for corroboree. It’s a great place to experience the joy of Blak excellence and creativity, to learn about yourself, others, connect with people, grow and leave your shame at the door.
“From the moment you walk in, you’re invited to walk around and get a 360-degree experience. Rather than the traditional show where you might feel you don’t want to interfere, here you’re compelled to roam, be curious and to search for a different perspective. After all, different perspectives are vital to get the full picture of any story.
“We love immersing the crowd, and getting that many people — First Nations and non-First Nations alike — wanting to dance, move, learn, celebrate with us and to have them experience what this story means to us.”
Developed on Wiradjuri Country with elders and artists, Garabari shares the Giilang (story and song) of Marramalngidyal Marrambidyagu, the making of the Murrumbidgee River, gifted by the late Uncle James Ingram.
For Zoe, who grew up on Dharawal Country and attended Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts and Thirroul Dance Academy, its stop in Wollongong is a tour highlight.
“Balana epitomises strength, endurance and passion for her culture and her community. She fights for what’s right and deserved by her people. It’s an extremely passionate role and such a privilege to play such an icon in Wiradjuri culture,” she says.
“Having the chance to perform that powerhouse role in front of my family, including its matriarchs, and the elders and mentors who helped shape my cultural identity, is such a privilege.”
The ambitious show features a stellar cast of nine performers, lavish costumes by Wiradjuri designer Denni Francisco, melodic beats by Byron Scullin and lighting projections by Katie Sfetkidis.
Choreographer, director and creator Joel Bray says the show weaves together all the threads he’s most passionate about: “Sharing and celebrating our culture, sumptuous contemporary dance and, of course, my love of a good party,” he says.
“I’m so, so excited to be coming to the Illawarra to share this hard-to-describe experience with blackfellas, whitefellas and everyfella!”
Garabari comes to Wollongong Town Hall on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February and to Dapto Ribbonwood Centre on Saturday 12 February. Book via Merrigong.
