Sheltering

  • First Nations
  • Dance
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre
  • Joan Sutherland Theatre
  • Run time: 80 minutes Subject to change
  • Seating map

Three stories of Country. One message of hope.

Beneath the constellation of Bangarra’s creative and cultural legacy, experience a program of three powerful works: Keeping Grounded by Glory Tuohy-Daniell, Brown Boys by Daniel Mateo and Cass Mortimer Eipper, and Sheoak by Bangarra's Artistic Director and Co-CEO Frances Rings with music by David Page. Together, these three works honour Bangarra’s past while looking to the future.

Rooted in Indigenous knowledge, the concept of shelter is reimagined as a sacred, transformative space: a haven of protection, connection, and the sharing of stories across generations. An intergenerational thread connects this bold triple-bill, drawing deeply from First Nations perspectives, and offering a profound journey into the intricate bonds between people and place.

Cultural Content Advisory
This work honours the late David Page, whose music remains a living heartbeat within Bangarra’s story. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this content includes the name, voice and creative legacy of a person who has passed. We share this work with deep respect and love for David, his family, and community.

Presented by Bangarra Dance Theatre

Event details

Program

Keeping Grounded, choreographed by Indjalandji-Dhidhanu and Alyewarre woman Glory Tuohy-Daniell, is a poignant exploration on our energetic connection to the earth and ancestral land. Born of Dance Clan 2023 and reimagined for a new stage, this piece explores the challenges of staying culturally and physically grounded in a world increasingly shaped by technological advancement. 

Brown Boys is a groundbreaking dance film directed by Daniel Mateo and Cass Mortimer Eipper. Visually poetic and deeply personal, it delves into the experiences of young Indigenous men, exploring identity, belonging, and cultural connection. Inspired by Mateo’s own poetry, the film intimately portrays his journey as a Gamilaroi and Tongan man—blending dance, narrative, and cinematic artistry. This work was first presented in Dance Clan 2024.

Sheoak, choreographed by Mirning woman Frances Rings for Bangarra Dance Theatre with music by Munaldjali and Nunukul man and renowned composer David Page, is a deeply affecting work exploring themes of resilience, connection to country, and cultural identity. The work, which premiered in 2015 as part of the double bill Lore under Munaldjali and Nunukul man Stephen Page’s artistic direction, draws inspiration from the sheoak tree—a powerful symbol in Indigenous Australian culture known for its strength, adaptability, and deep meaning.

Together, these three works engage with vital First Nations social and cultural issues, reminding us of the spirit at the heart of indigenous worldviews and the enduring connections between people, land, and spirit.

Running time
Keeping Grounded: 24 minutes
Brown Boys: 6 minutes
Sheaok: 48 minutes

Total running time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (80 minutes) - No Interval 

Credits

Keeping Grounded 

Choreographer: Glory Tuohy-Daniell 
Composer: Brendon Boney 
Set Designer: Shana O'Brien 
Costume Designer: Clair Parker 
Lighting Designer: Karen Norris
Rigging Consultant: Katie McDonagh 
Creative Mentor: Jacob Nash & Matt Cornell 

 

Brown Boys 
Choreographer: Daniel Mateo 
Directors: Daniel Mateo & Cass Mortimer Eipper 
Composer: Leon Rodgers 
Set and Costume Design: Elizabeth Gadsby 
Director of Photography: Liam Brennan 
Producer: Michaela le 

 

Sheoak 
Choreography: Frances Rings 
Music: David Page (dec.) 
Set Design: Jacob Nash 
Costume design: Jennifer Irwin 
Lighting Design: Karen Norris

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Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Joan Sutherland Theatre

The Joan Sutherland Theatre is located at the northern side of the foyer, to the left hand side of the stairs leading to the Concert Hall. Best accessed through the covered concourse. All Sydney Opera House foyers are accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators).

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