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.

On shoestring budgets, I collaborated on Bangarra’s earliest works; Praying Mantis Dreaming and NINNI.

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.

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.

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).