In 1996, Artistic Director Stephen Page was invited to create a work for The Australian Ballet, in collaboration with Bangarra Dancers. Alchemy is an exploration of four mineral substances, and the tensions resulting from their dual importance in Indigenous ritual and western industrialism.

This production features the First Nations languages Umpila (Cape York Peninsula), Yugambeh (South East Queensland) and Walmajarri (a Ngumpin language from the Kimberly region).

Sections of Alchemy

Mercury - Mother earth calls. A life force awakens. Running hunger. She nurtures its journey.
Salt - Tears of salt. Expose the soul. Taste the earth. A sacred medicine.
Lead - A storm is brewing. Industrial initiation. The harbinger of destruction. Scars of the earth.
Gold - A morning star. Abundant riches. Earth's jewels. The power to corrupt.

Duration: 24 minutes

Alchemy premiered in 1996 as part of a triple bill by The Australian Ballet, which included Alchemy, Deep End and Red Earth.