Audiences cozied up under a starlit sky for the community screening of Bangarra’s Horizon at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
The screening echoed the powerful relationship between the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) Gab Titui Cultural Centre and Bangarra Dance Theatre that provides the region with access to contemporary First Nations performing arts.
Horizon premiered in 2024 and brought together Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori artists to explore cultural connections to Country, identity and home.
The production had strong Torres Strait representation. Horizon opens with Kulka, choreographed by Saibailaig Bangarra alumnus Sani Townson, who drew on his Torres Strait heritage, paying tribute to his grandfather through the work.
The production also featured The Light Inside, created by Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown, a descendant of the Wakaid Clan and Meriam people, together with Māori choreographer and Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson of Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the screening provided an opportunity to recognise Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) artists working at a national level.
“Bangarra is one of Australia’s leading First Nations performing arts companies and Torres Strait Islander artists have made an important contribution to its work,” Mr Nona said.
“Horizon has strong connections to Zenadth Kes through Sani Townson and Deborah Brown, and we were pleased to provide an opportunity for our community to see their work here at Gab Titui.
“Screenings like this also give our young people and emerging artists an opportunity to see Torres Strait creatives working at the highest levels of Australia’s performing arts sector.”
Bangarra Dance Theatre has presented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories through contemporary dance for more than three decades and works with First Nations artists and communities across Australia.
Gab Titui has an established relationship with Bangarra, based on a shared commitment to supporting First Nations artists and increasing access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture.
Gab Titui’s relationship with Bangarra has also supported opportunities to connect Zenadth Kes audiences with the company’s work, including Waru – journey of the small turtle, a children’s production inspired by Torres Strait culture and the lifecycle of the green turtle.
Mr Nona said the partnership aligned with TSRA’s role in supporting and promoting Zenadth Kes arts and culture.
“Gab Titui provides an important platform for Torres Strait artists and cultural practice, while also connecting our community with First Nations arts organisations across Australia,” Mr Nona said.
“Our relationship with Bangarra creates another avenue to promote Torres Strait representation and ensure our community has access to significant First Nations productions.”
The screening of Horizon forms part of Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s ongoing Public Programs schedule.