Under the vast Kimberley sky, the red pindan dust stretches across the desert homelands of the Walmajarri, where the ancient knowledge of People and of Country is preserved through Songlines that have endured for hundreds of generations.

SandSong tells the unique story of this Place and the survival of its People.

Between the 1920s and 1960s, Aboriginal people were removed off their Country and forced into hard labour for no wages and only minimal rations.

Despite this displacement and cultural disruption, the people of the Western Desert have maintained unbroken connection to their Land, keeping stories and kinship strong.

This is the Country of Wangkatjungka woman Ningali Josie Lawford-Wolf (1967-2019), an important cultural consultant and artistic collaborator of Bangarra whose spirit, stories and artistic contributions have inspired a number of the company’s works, and enriched the broader arts landscape.

SandSong is created by Bangarra Dance Theatre in consultation with Wangkatjungka/Walmajarri Elders from the Kimberley and Great Sandy Desert regions.

This work honours the legacy of Ningali Josie Lawford-Wolf and her family – past, present and future.

Creative Credits

Choreographers Stephen Page and Frances Rings
Composer Steve Francis
Set Designer Jacob Nash
Costume Designer Jennifer Irwin
Lighting Designer Nick Schlieper
Lighting Realiser Chris Twyman
Cultural Consultants Putuparri Tom Lawford and Eva Nargoodah
Cultural Contributors Wangkatjungka and Walmajarri Elders

Workshops [Incursion]

Date TBA
Time TBA
Duration TBA mins
Cost Free to schools selected through the EOI process. Limited number available.

Workshop content will be advised in early 2022

Teacher Resources

An education kit will be provided including classroom ready activities.

Downloads

  Venue Information for Schools