Working with Bangarra was more about creating a family and community than working in an organisation.
I was fortunate early in my career to meet and form a friendship with Stephen, David and Russell Page. This opened up the fantastic and life-changing opportunity to work with Bangarra Dance Theatre - at the time an under funded, fledgling, start-up company based in Redfern.
Joseph Mercurio on tour, Photography u.k., Circa early 1990s
Joseph Mercurio on tour, Photography u.k., Circa early 1990s
On shoestring budgets, I collaborated on Bangarra’s earliest works; Praying Mantis Dreaming and NINNI.
Praying Mantis Dreaming poster art work, 2002
Working with Bangarra was more about creating a family and community than working in an organisation. These were the best days of my working profession; I look back on this time of struggle and collaboration with joy and pride as we all worked together to create this fabulous arts company.
Bernadette Walong-Sene in 'Yellow' from 'Ochres', Photography u.k., circa 1994
Lewis Lampton, Sidney Saltner, Russell Page and Victor Bramich in 'Black': 'Ochres', Photography Ashley De Prazer, 2000 or 2001
Russell Page and Bernadette Walong-Sene in 'Red' from 'Ochres', Photography u.k., circa 1994
David Page, Frances Rings, Christine Anu and Pinau Ghee in 'White' from 'Ochres', Photography u.k., circa 1994
Our next project turned out to be the life-changing, seminal work Ochres; the production that announced Stephen’s choreographic pedigree, David’s enchanting and immersive soundscapes and Russell’s breathtaking athleticism. For the next few years we toured Ochres both nationally and internationally and Bangarra received the acknowledgement, respect and praise the artistic vision deserved.
Pinau Ghee, Frances Rings, Russell Page, Kirk Page, Bernadette Walong, u.k. and Christine Anu in 'White' from 'Ochres', Photography u.k., circa 1994
I look back on this time of struggle and collaboration with joy and pride as we all worked together to create this fabulous arts company.
Joseph Mercurio is a renowned Australian Lighting Designer. He has worked with Bangarra Dance Theatre on numerous projects including Praying Mantis Dreaming, Ochres, Ninni, Fish, Corroboree and Alchemy (Stephen Page with the Australian Ballet).
Lighting fascinates - it is what is hidden more than what is revealed that fuels my love of light.
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Creative
Joseph Mercurio
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Creative