Advertisement
Presented by Bunjil Place, Sydney Dance Company, Dancehouse and Australian Dance TheatreCharcoal is a contemporary dance performance that invites audiences to reflect on what caring for Country looks and feels like.
Inspired by choreographer Keia McGrady’s personal family stories, cultural knowledge passed down through generations and time spent on Country. The performance explores connection, belonging, how landscapes change over time, and the places that shape who we are.
Drawing on the practice of cultural burning, Charcoal reflects on renewal, resilience and the ongoing relationship between people and place. Combining contemporary dance and visual art, this powerful work is an offering to slow down, listen deeply and reflect. It encourages audiences to think about the importance of land, belonging, identity, and consider their own connection to place and the world around them.
As part of creating Charcoal, Keia spent time on Country with family members, including parents and grandparents, whose knowledge, stories and experiences helped shape the performance. These personal connections are woven into the choreography, creating a work that is both deeply personal and relevant to contemporary Australia.
Keia McGrady is a Githabul, Migunberri, Gomeroi contemporary dance artist, story teller from south east Queensland.
Amelia Jean O'Leary is a queer First Nations Gamilaroi and Wadawurrung Yinarr dance artist and storyteller based in Sydney, Australia.
“McGrady is very strongly grounded in her movement, and each dancer has a strong presence within their independence” - Dance Australia (Lesley Graham)
"The performers' intensity and the audio-visual effects add sparks to the atmosphere in the space" - Dance Australia (Lesley Graham)
Performed by:
Keia McGrady - Githabul Migunberri Gomeroi
Amelia Jean O'Leary - Gamilaroi and Wadawurrung Yinarr
Creative Team
Sound Composer: Joshua Santospirito & Waveney Yasso (Yuwi Burra & South Sea Island)
Sound Engineer: Joshua Santospirito
Lighting Designer & AV: Jason James
Original Costume Designer: Noah Johnson
Special thanks to previous collaborators and cultural advisers:
Bridie McGrady Migunberri Githabul
Keiron McGrady Migunberri Githabul Gomeroi
Olivia Adams (Wulli wulli) original cast
Amarina Toby (Githabul, Gaangalu peoples)
D Harding (Bidjara, Ghungalu and Garingbal peoples) supported by visual artist,
Alinta McGrady Migunberri Githabul Gomeroi
Special Effects: Loud sudden noises
Dates
Thursday 19 November
7.00 pm - 7.50pm
Tickets
All Tickets $20.00
Advertisement
Event venue
2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren, Narre Warren, VIC, Australia, Victoria 3805
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.
Discover more events by tag
Contemporary-dance in Narre WarrenPerformances in Narre WarrenDance in Narre WarrenPerforming-arts in Narre Warren