A New Dawn in Contemporary Dance
Daniel Riley, a Wiradjuri man and the first Indigenous artistic director of the Australian Dance Theatre, is a self-confessed morning person. He finds joy in the quiet hours before dawn, preparing meals for his children and taking long walks in the dark. However, the recent events surrounding the failed Voice to Parliament referendum and the growing hostility towards Welcome to Country ceremonies have shifted the meaning of that darkness.
“I had this idea. What if we presented a work where the theatre curtain was actually the sun rising?” Mr Riley said. This concept led to RISE, a contemporary dance performance that replaces traditional theatre sets and lighting with the rhythm of the rising sun.
The World Premiere at Bundanon
The world premiere of RISE took place on Saturday at Bundanon, an art gallery located on the NSW South Coast. Nestled within 1,000 hectares of wildlife reserve, Bundanon was established after renowned art philanthropists Arthur and Yvonne Boyd donated the site to the Australian government in 1993. Managed by the Bundanon Trust, the art museum became the venue for this groundbreaking performance.
RISE was orchestrated by Mr Riley and co-choreographer Brianna Kell, commissioned by Bundanon for the Make Good Festival. The piece begins with a Welcome to Country from First Nations elders, who share a performance in the form of a song or a story. Dancers then perform as the sun rises, ending as the morning breaks.
For Mr Riley, the concept of RISE was both ancient and practical for an arts troupe dealing with the challenges of modern touring. “Touring traditionally requires a theatre, production crew, lighting, sets, and everything else needed for a venue,” he explained. “The touring of RISE involves people, that’s it. What we collate and invest in along the way is relationships and relationship building with traditional owners, community members, and local dance schools.”
Engaging the Next Generation
As part of the upcoming performance, the Australian Dance Theatre conducted a workshop with the Dhaawarii Dance Group at Vincentia High School. This group consists of 20 students who learn and perform First Nations traditional dances under the guidance of Aboriginal language teacher Jonathan Hill.
Mr Hill emphasized the importance of this experience for the students. “The kids were allowed to ask questions about how to become a professional dancer, what’s involved, and how much training is required,” he said. “I think it showed them that there is a pathway.”
Ancient Roots and Modern Relevance
Bundanon translates to “deep gully” in Dharawal, the language of the Wodi Wodi people, who are the traditional custodians of the area. For Yuin elder and Bundanon director Uncle Gerry Moore, the concept behind RISE stretches back to how his people lived 60,000 years ago. “It was common for our people to be walking from anywhere, from La Perouse down through the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, to right down the coast and across the [Victorian] border,” he said. “During that time, our people would be trading, even if it was songs and tools, weapons, and stories.”
Mr Moore, previously the CEO of the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service, has faced the deep disadvantage and generational trauma experienced by First Nations people. His community of Wreck Bay continues to deal with the impacts of PFAS contamination caused by firefighting foam used at defense bases near Jervis Bay. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the future.
“I guess the good thing is, not everyone’s a racist,” he said. “The big thing for me is talking to people, getting them to understand about Aboriginal people, Aboriginal culture, and the past. I believe that truth-telling is something that will help and guide that process.”
A Shared Moment of Connection
At the conclusion of the performance, actors and audience members are invited to share breakfast in the morning light. Mr Riley highlighted the importance of this overlooked ritual. “Post the unsuccessful Voice to Parliament referendum, it’s really important that we find places of gathering,” he said. “Somewhere meaningful where we all arrive with an open heart and a generosity to connect.”
The Saturday premiere at Bundanon was attended by 90 people, and plans are in place to tour the show across Australia in 2027 and 2028. “Ultimately, we could go wherever we are invited. We could go as remote as we need with this,” Mr Riley said.
