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Journeys

Nandhu | Ochres

  • 27 July 2020
  • North East Arnhem Land, Torres Strait Islands

Nandhu (pronounced Naan-du) means ‘to be close’ in Wiradjuri language.

Nandhu takes you on a journey through the bed rock of our iconic productions. Through interviews, articles, and behind-the-scenes video content, discover the community connections, cultural stories and creative research and development underpinning these important works.

This Nandhu journey focusses on Bangarra’s production Ochres, choreographed in the mid 1990s by Stephen Page and Bernadette Walong-Sene with Yolŋu Cultural Consultant Djakapurra Munyarryun. Inspired by the clay substance that is so significant and widely used for a myriad of purposes in Aboriginal life, Bangarra’s production Ochres illustrates the alchemy of customs, practices and beliefs that are the building blocks of Indigenous culture. Ochres is about connection to Country, Spirituality, Men’s and Woman’s Business, as well as the many social issues impacting the ever-evolving societies of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Watch Excerpts from Ochres
Ochres is a creative portrayal of the most common colours of this earthy substance - yellow, black, red and white - its myriad purposes and its spiritual significance to Aboriginal people.
Creative Insights
This informative, archival interview with Stephen Page and Bernadette Walong-Sene, includes Ochres performance scenes featuring Dance Artists from the mid-1990s.
Meet the Clan
Former Bangarra Dance Artist and original Ochres cast member, Cynthia Lochard discusses her experience as a non-Indigenous artist coming from the New York City Ballet to the extremely different world of Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Ochre is of the earth
Through ochre runs a tactile imprint of all that is sacred. Discover more about this precious resource and its many uses.
Behind the Scenes
Watch Dance Artists Leonard Mickelo and Tara Gower as they move under the camera's flash in the Ochres 2015 season photoshoot.
Listen to Ochres: Black
The section of Ochres titled ‘Black’ explores Yolŋu men's cultural practices including the War Dances (traditional 'Stick Dance'), fire skills and their understanding of the nature and movements of animals which inform hunting methods.
Step Back In Time
Step back in time; explore what Bangarra was up to in 1994. This is the year Bangarra premiered Ochres as a work in progress. Explore this along with the '94 company dance artists, the touring, the community engagement and so much more!
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