Bronwyn Fullerton

BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE : WARU – JOURNEY OF THE SMALL TURTLE

Walsh Bay’s beautiful 4 fingered wharf was built in 1912 and has fortunately been lovingly renovated, with the most recent upgrades occurring in 2016. Wharf 4/5 now houses, alongside the Sydney Theatre Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre’s new Studio Theatre, The Sydney Dance Company and the Sydney Choir.

This Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is on Gadigal Country, Eora Nation and stands proudly along the waters of Sydney Harbour.  It is a delight to visit.

Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children, ‘WARU – JOURNEY OF THE SMALL TURTLE’ – gives young people a glimpse into the lives of the Torres Strait people and their ancient stories.

Created by Bangarra’s Artistic Director, Stephen Page, together with his son, Hunter Page-Lochard, it is also brought together and performed by Bangarra alumni Dancers and Choreographers, Sani Townson and Elma Kris.

Under the “star-illuminated skies of the Torres Strait, a green turtle navigates her way back to the beach where she was born.  The season has started, the turtles are returning to nest, and soon the island will welcome a new generation of hatchlings – amongst them, our small turtle friend, Migi.”  The set design and lighting is delightful.  The young children (and adults) love the island combination of sand, water and a simple open hut.  

Elma Kris (grandmother), is the narrator, the storyteller and the caretaker of her beloved turtle Migi.  She watches over and protects her, chases away a menacing lizard.  The children love her warm energy and calm spirituality.  We joined with her in a hand movement ritual to help Migi into the nesting dune to cover the eggs with sand.  

 Aba Bero is brilliant as Migi, sliding across the stage in a spectacular turtle outfit.   She also comes out as the enemy lizard who wants the eggs.

When grandmother finds Migi covered in ocean pollutants, another storyline has opened for the young audience.  The dangers of not caring for the environment.

I urge mums and dads and family members, adult friends to take your youngsters to see this thought provoking show.  (Recommended for 3 to 7 year olds…older children can enjoy it as well).   It’s also a lovely part of Sydney to take them in the holidays.  The Studio Theatre foyer at Bangarra is open one hour before and one hour after the 45 minute show. They can make craft creatures and find out facts about the environment in the Torres Strait.  

‘WARU-JOURNEY OF THE SMALL TURTLE’ plays at Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, Wednesday-Sunday, 11am and 1.30pm until the 9th October, 2022 .

Featured image : Daniel Boud

Published by Bronwyn Fullerton

Bronwyn Fullerton worked as an actress and singer for over 20 years after training with Hayes Gordon at The Ensemble Theatre Studios in Sydney in the 70s. She has worked for The Ensemble Theatre, Stables Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival, Theatre-in-Education touring, Rocks Theatre at The Sailor’s Home, Balmain Loft, North Coast Theatre Co., Giniby Theatre Co., Bondi Pavilion Theatre and two years with the Marionette Theatre of Australia, including a tour from Alice Springs to Arnhem Land. As well as Film and Television (Chopper Squad) and Voice Overs, Bronwyn worked for the Gate Theatre Club in London and studied mime in Paris. She now teaches ESL English to foreign students and completed a Post-Grad in Film & Video at UTS in 2009/10.