NAISDA presents the world premiere of ATI: A Dance Reckoning of Truth, Place and Belonging
This weekend NAISDA and Carriageworks present the world premiere of ATI: A Dance Reckoning of Truth, Place and Belonging. Shared through cultural and contemporary First Nations dance stories, vibrant projections and an emotionally charged soundscape of song and live voices, ATI is a powerful declaration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survival and belonging.
The highly anticipated production is directed by NAISDA's Head of Dance, Deon Hastie, a descendent of the Djabugay people of Far North Queensland and will be presented at Carriageworks, Sydney from Friday 21 until Saturday 22 July.
It voices the First Nations experience performed by NAISDA’s students, many of whom graduate to join leading national and international companies as the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance artists.
Cultural knowledge, dance, and songs resonate throughout the show, and NAISDA is honoured to have Cultural Tutors, Dharug and Gubbi Gubbi man Stuart McMinn, Dujon Niue from Mua Island in the Torres Strait and Jeanette Fabila perform and share their cultural practice with ATI audiences.
The performance will also be brought to life through the work of international visual installation artist Tetsutoshi Tabata. Tabata incorporates commissioned light projections and scenography to bring evocative textures, lighting and kinetic effects to the dancework.
Mr Hastie explained how the performance confronts uncomfortable truths in order to challenge the weight of the system, and to guide young First Nations people through dislocation and loss.
“ATI is a portrayal of Australia's history marked by greed, guilt, violence and inequality. We share a journey of lived experiences and it is not always an easy one.
“I am incredibly proud of NAISDA’s emerging artists for using dance as a powerful medium to share these truths, and while ATI explores challenging themes, it is still a celebration. We find the light and support within ourselves, each other and the spirit of Country to celebrate and lift one another up.
“We look forward to immersing audiences in the spirit of place; bringing us together in celebration of the essence that resonates within all living things as it sustains and provides,” he concluded.
ATI will leave an indelible impression on hearts and minds as it weaves together stories, memories, and timeless connection to First Nations culture and Country.
Final tickets for this weekend’s performances of ATI are on sale now, bookings are essential.
Bookings: Online via www.carriageworks.com.au/events/ati | 02 8571 9099 | In person – at Carriageworks
7.30pm Friday 21 July - Opening Night
2pm Saturday 22 July - Community Matinee
7.30pm Saturday 22 July - Final Performance
About us:
ABOUT NAISDA:
NAISDA is Australia’s leading national arts training organisation specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Its nationally accredited performing arts curriculum is developed, written and delivered exclusively by NAISDA. NAISDA is shaped by the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities across Australia.
After nearly half a century of creating, celebrating and sharing First Nations Knowings and wisdom through excellence and innovation in dance and performing arts education and training, NAISDA is recognised as the birthplace of Australian contemporary Indigenous dance and founding force behind two international dance companies including Bangarra Dance Theatre.
NAISDA graduates, artists and cultural leaders perform on stages across the world and at Australia’s milestone occasions to global audiences. They continue the legacy of sharing story, keeping culture strong and championing truth telling through creative expression. www.naisda.com.au; Instagram @naisda_dance_college; Facebook www.facebook.com/naisdadancecollege; Twitter @NAISDA.
Contact details:
For more information:
Alison Steele | asteele@brilliantlogic.com.au | 0402 736 611