For our first theatre outing for 2022, we will go to the Roslyn Packer Theatre to see Wujang: Not the Past, an ambitious new epic-scale production composed of poetry, spoken storytelling, live music and astonishing choreography for which Bangarra Dance Theatre is internationally renowned. The production features 17 dancers, four musicians, and five actors.

By Stephen Page and Alana Valentine
Choreographed and directed by Stephen Page
Music by Steve Francis

Alive in the present, our story is not past

In the deep darkness just before dawn, workmen find bones while excavating for a dam. Among the workers is Bilin, a Yugambeh man, who convinces his colleagues to let him keep the ancestral remains. This ancestor is Wudjang, who, along with her young companion spirit, Gurai, longs to be reburied in the proper way.

Directed and co-created by Bangarra’s Artistic Director Stephen Page (Bloodland, The Secret River, Bennelong), and featuring Mibinyah language from his home on Yugambeh Country, this ambitious and powerful piece of performance illuminates the ways in which ancient traditions continue to guide and strengthen current and future generations of First Nations people.

DATE: Tuesday 18 January 2022

TIME: 6.30pm

VENUE: Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay NSW 2000

APPROX DURATION: 1 hour 20 minutes, no interval

CONTENT: Political and social themes, including depictions of traumatic events suffered by First Nations peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences are advised that this production contains images and voices of deceased persons.

TICKETS: Seniors Season 1 Package $90 + Booking Fee. Prices vary for other categories.

Purchase your tickets at https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on or by phone at the Box office on (02) 9250 1777

Cherry and I have booked our tickets for Seats E20 and E21.

PRE-THEATRE: (Optional): Join Judith and Cherry for pre-theatre Drinks and Conversation at ‘The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf’ at 5.15pm.

RSVP TO: Judith Nguyen at [email protected], indicating whether you would like to join us for pre-theatre drinks and conversation, as booking a table is required

RSVP BY: Tuesday 11 January 2022

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THEATRE GROUP – Looking Ahead in 2022

To enable you to plan your diary for 2022, below are the dates and selected plays for Theatre Group for 2022. Newcomers to SWIC are very welcome – if you need help with booking or have any queries please contact Judith Nguyen at [email protected] or Cherry Spoor at [email protected]

NOTE: Booking of single tickets for April, June, August, September, October and November at Belvoir Street Theatre and Ensemble Theatre are not available until 14 February or 9 May 2022. Tickets for other theatres may be booked now.