Sydney Opera House

EXCLUSIVE WEB ONLY OFFER - SEE MATHINNA FOR JUST $48!
Adult tickets at concession prices for all Wednesday and Thursday evening performances.

"A lost spirit among the colonists"  The Australian

“mature, distinctive, contemporary dance” The Age

Bangarra Dance Theatre continues to resonate world-wide as an acclaimed contemporary dance company of unique style committed to the traditions of Indigenous culture.

In 2008 Bangarra Dance Theatre presents Mathinna, an exhilarating brand new work by Stephen Page.
 
Inspired by a young girl’s journey between two cultures, Mathinna traces the history of a young Aboriginal girl removed from her traditional life, adopted into Western Colonial society to be ultimately returned to the fragments of her original heritage.
 
Young Mary was born on Flinders Island, Tasmania in 1835 to the Chief of the Lowreenne tribe, Towgerer, and his wife Wongerneep. As a young girl, Mary captured the hearts of Governor Sir John and Lady Jane Franklin and was adopted into their household at Government House in Hobart. Mary was renamed Mathinna. Somewhat a charitable project, Mathinna was raised with the Governor's daughter Eleanor and was described as a ‘very nice, intelligent child’.
 
When Governor Sir John and Lady Jane Franklin returned to England, Mathinna was sent to the Queen’s Orphan School in Hobart where she struggled to adjust. When Mathinna was sixteen she left the School to rejoin her people at an Aboriginal station at Oyster Cove, south of Hobart. At this settlement Mathinna’s life came to a disheartening end.
 
Mathinna became the archetype of the ‘stolen child’ and, in this brand new work, Bangarra Dance Theatre recreates her powerful story of vulnerability and searching in an era of confusion and intolerance.
 
As a prominent Australian Indigenous arts leader and following his recent honour as NSW Australian of the Year, Bangarra Dance Theatre Artistic Director Stephen Page evokes the traditional Indigenous spirit in this latest full-length work, Mathinna. 

Important information – World Youth Day 2008
Sydney Opera House is a venue for World Youth Day 2008, a six day celebration taking place in Sydney between 15-20 July. Please allow extra time for your journey if visiting Sydney Opera House during this period.

Large numbers of people are expected to attend events around the city and there will be changes to traffic and transport arrangements. For further information call the World Youth Day Community Information Line on 1300 360 933 or visit www.wydca.nsw.gov.au .