Identity

First performed Earl Arts Centre, Launceston 16 October 2009

What makes us who we are or, more to the point who we think we are? Is it our groovy clothes or the way we cut our hair? Is it the circle of friends we have or the club we belong to? Does it come from our parents or where we grew up? Is it our genetics, or is it our culture that shapes us? What is it that gives us our unique identity?

These are some of the questions that were teased out by the two choreographers who created Identity.

Frances Rings has earned a reputation as a leading indigenous choreographer with her two award winning works Walkabout and Unaipon for Bangarra. In her work Remembered of Us Frances brings quite a personal approach and has woven a work that links us to our past and our ancestors. Her use of yarn and the imagery of the loom imply a woven web of influences that moulds her identity and those of the dancers whose personal histories form part of the fabric of the dance. This was realised by Odette Shadbolt's set design and costuming that reflects both Frances' and the dancer's identities.

Anton took a more global view of Australians. He has travelled extensively and feels that Australia is part of a fast moving, digitally connected international community. His work, The Blur explores screens, urban existence and space; it has a restless energy that then explodes into high octane physicality. Anton describes himself as a mixture of Australian, Greek and Ukrainian ethnicity and his work The Blur is his first for a professional company.

The season was very well received in Launceston, Hobart and Devonport; confirmed by enthusiastic reviews in The Australian, The Examiner, and The Mercury.

Our exceptionally talented ensemble was praised for its "strength, speed and agility" (The Mercury) in these technically demanding works. The production engendered many interesting discussions among our audiences about which work was their favourite and why.