Bangarra’s new Artistic Director goes back to Country with Yuldea

Frances Rings, Bangarra Dance Theatre’s new Artistic Director, never doubted where her inaugural work at the helm of Australia’s preeminent First Nations creative company would take her – back to her Country, Yuldea, situated in the grand sweep of the Great Victorian Desert on the traditional lands of the Anangu peoples. ‘I wanted my tenure with the company to begin with sharing these incredible stories about this far west region of South Australia,’ Rings (of Wirangu and Mirning descent) says.

This clash of cultures flows through Yuldea. ‘When we hear the stories of Elders, it gives us insight into their world, and they were at the forefront of colonisation,’ Rings says. ‘But not only does it allow us to see the light and the shadow of their experience, but it also allows us to join them in their journey of healing. Those stories are powerful reminders of how strong and resilient our people are. For us, it’s a sense of pride.’