THE COMPLICATION OF LYREBIRDS

The Complication of Lyrebirds is a contemporary dance work designed to break away from the social expectations of what it means to look or sound Aboriginal.

Re-contextualising historical documents, such as ‘The White Australia Policy’ and ‘The Exemption Form’, as choreographic tools, The Complication of Lyrebirds investigates societal and cultural sources of expectations and pressures to create a unique and powerful choreographic narrative.

The lyrebird adopts the calls of other birds in order to appear attractive, however, there is an authentic identity to the bird that is no mimic. In the same way, Indigenous people are faced with external pressures to prove their ‘blackness’ and adopt different ways of talking and appearing. If your family was denied their culture by the impact of colonisation, then what really makes you Aboriginal?

Concept, Director Jasmin Sheppard, Tagalaka & Choreographer

Co-Collaborator, Kaine Sultan Babij, Dancer Eastern Arrente

Sound Designer, Naretha Williams, Wiradjuri Composer

Composer, Cris Derksen, Cree Musician

Video Artist Samuel James

Lighting Karen Norris, Moriori Maori Designer

Props Designer Emily Adinolfi

Costumer Fiona Holley Designer

Dramaturg Carly Sheppard, Tagalaka

Performers Kaine Sultan Babij, Eastern Arrente & Audrey Goth-Towney, Wiradjuri

This project was originally commissioned and produced Campbelltown City Council through Campbelltown Arts Centre and premiered as part of Sydney Festival 2021.