Our Early Voices | Monica Stevens

Monica Stevens, a Bama woman of mBabaram, Yidinji, Guugu Yimithirr, Muluridji and Lama Lama ancestry, was there from Bangarra’s first day, helping build the foundations of the company through her passion, resilience and commitment. A graduate of NAISDA in 1984 and performer with the original Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre, Monica was among the pioneering artists who travelled across NSW and beyond - often with limited resources - to perform, teach and share culture. In conversation with Frances Rings, she reflects on those early years of possibility and purpose, and we honour the remarkable contribution she and her fellow founding members made to Bangarra and Australian performing arts.