Tasmania

Tasmania is Australia’s southernmost state, situated 240km across the Bass Strait from the mainland. Prior to colonisation, Tasmania was home to nine distinct Aboriginal nations and numerous language groups. Today, Tasmanian Aboriginal people – pakana and palawa people – have worked extensively on language restoration and maintenance projects, reviving the language palawa kani. In palawa kani, Tasmania is called lutruwita.

Bangarra has toured Tasmania numerous times. Bangarra’s 2008 work Mathinna was inspired by the story of a young Lowreenne woman from south west Tasmania, and her journey between two cultures as she was removed from traditional life and adopted into western colonial society. With the support of Cultural Consultants Vicki-Laine Green and Lola Greeno, Mathinna was returned to Country in 2010, and Bangarra has since brought several works to Tasmania on both Regional and Australian Tours.