Marrugeku is an unparalleled presence in Australia today, dedicated to Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians working together to develop new dance languages that are restless, transformative, and unwavering.
Marrugeku builds bridges and breaks down walls between urban and remote dance communities, between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, and between local and global situations. Its works are created out of urgent reciprocities between Peoples, Country, and custodians, understanding that telling stories together is one of the simplest and hardest things to do.
Marrugeku is led by co-artistic directors: choreographer/dancer Dalisa Pigram and director/dramaturg Rachael Swain. Working together for nearly three decades, they co-conceive and facilitate Marrugeku’s productions and research laboratories, introducing audiences to the unique and potent structures of Indigenous knowledge systems and the compelling experience of intercultural performance. Marrugeku’s performers come from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, collaborating to co-create each production. Marrugeku’s patron is Yawuru cultural leader and national reconciliation advocate Senator Patrick Dodson.
Working from its bicoastal operations in the remote town of Broome, Western Australia, and the urban center of Carriageworks, Sydney, Marrugeku harnesses the dynamic of performance exchange drawn from remote, urban, intercultural, and trans-Indigenous approaches to expand the possibilities of contemporary dance. Its productions tour throughout urban and remote Australia, to other Indigenous contexts internationally, and throughout the world.
Le Dernier Appel, Marrugeku, Image Prudence Upton