25 – 26 July 2025
Step out of the shadows and into the phenomena of light – the central life force of our planet. From the extraordinary Bangarra Dance Theatre comes an iridescent new theatrical experience, drawing together music, visual arts and dance to explore the ways light has captivated and sustained Indigenous cultural existence for millennia. Today, artificial light pollution disrupts ecosystems and obscures the dark night sky, devastating First Nations people’s connections to sky country and limiting their ability to share celestial knowledge and skylore. First Nations people stand on the precipice of the world under threat. Mirning Choreographer Frances Rings and Goolarrgon Bard Visual Artist Darrell Sibosado’s collaboration explores the awe of light, a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. It charts the impacts of light pollution in a climate emergency. Illume asks the urgent question: is the deep wisdom passed down from elders enough to illuminate a path forward from the shadows of a dark future? Journey with us through a kaleidoscope of images, patterns and synergies into the otherworldly language of light. “Bangarra Dance Theatre is a modern dance company unlike any other… remarkably imaginative and richly varied.” – The New York Times Bangarra is proud to offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members discounted tickets to Illume. Please contact our Box Office on 02 6275 2700 to book.Show details:
Synopsis
25 – 26 July 2025
Step out of the shadows and into the phenomena of light – the central life force of our planet. From the extraordinary Bangarra Dance Theatre comes an iridescent new theatrical experience, drawing together music, visual arts and dance to explore the ways light has captivated and sustained Indigenous cultural existence for millennia.
Today, artificial light pollution disrupts ecosystems and obscures the dark night sky, devastating First Nations people’s connections to sky country and limiting their ability to share celestial knowledge and skylore. First Nations people stand on the precipice of the world under threat.
Mirning Choreographer Frances Rings and Goolarrgon Bard Visual Artist Darrell Sibosado’s collaboration explores the awe of light, a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. It charts the impacts of light pollution in a climate emergency. Illume asks the urgent question: is the deep wisdom passed down from elders enough to illuminate a path forward from the shadows of a dark future?
Journey with us through a kaleidoscope of images, patterns and synergies into the otherworldly language of light.
“Bangarra Dance Theatre is a modern dance company unlike any other… remarkably imaginative and richly varied.” – The New York Times
Bangarra is proud to offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members discounted tickets to Illume. Please contact our Box Office on 02 6275 2700 to book.
Dates & Times
Friday 25 July 2025, 7.30pm (Opening Night)
Saturday 26 July 2025, 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Details
PRESENTED BY:
Canberra Theatre Centre and Bangarra Dance Theatre
DURATION:
Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes, with no interval.
ACCESS SERVICES:
Saturday 26 July, 1.30pm – Audio Described. Post show, Tactile Tour.
Learn more about Audio Described performances at Bangarra: WATCH VIDEO
WARNINGS:
This performance contains flashing lights, haze, smoke and fog effects.
AGE SUITABILITY:
This performance is suitable for audiences aged 12+ or with parental discretion.
LATECOMERS:
For most performances, latecomers cannot be admitted until a break in the performance. Please allow plenty of time to cover traffic and parking delays.
VENUE:
Canberra Theatre
SEATING PLAN
ACCESS INFORMATION
Creative Credits
Choreography: Frances Rings and artists of Bangarra Dance Theatre
Artistic & Cultural Collaborator: Darrell Sibosado
Composition: Brendon Boney
Set Design: Charles Davis
Costume Design: Elizabeth Gadsby
Lighting Design: Damien Cooper
Cultural Consultant: Trevor Sampi
Watch videos
Audio Describe performances at Bangarra
Education Resources
TICKETING & SAFETY
Canberra Ticketing is the authorised ticket seller for Canberra Theatre Centre events with tickets sold and issued by QTIX as the ticketing agent. You will receive various communications from both Canberra Ticketing and QTIX while purchasing tickets in the new system.
Please be aware that Canberra Theatre Centre has no obligation to honour tickets purchased via unauthorised re-sellers. If you attend the event with a ticket purchased via an unauthorised re-seller such as Ticketmaster Resale, Viagogo, The Ticket Merchant, Ticketbis, eBay, Gumtree, Tickets Australia or otherwise, you may be refused entry to the event.
Find further information on ticket resale and scalping here.
Concessions
A range of concession prices are available to all our Canberra Theatre Centre patrons, and the exact nature of concessions will vary from show to show. We recommend that you check the specific pricing of each show when making your purchasing decision. Where concession prices are listed, proof of eligibility for concession must be presented at the Canberra Ticketing Box Office upon collection of tickets or full price may be charged.
Your safety is our priority
Here at Canberra Theatre Centre, we are committed to delivering safe & enjoyable performing arts experiences. View important information at COVID Safe Operations.