Image by T J Garvie Photography
Bunyi Bunyi Bumi entreats us to hear and embody the sounds of the earth — of Country — carrying the stories of shared kinships across the Asia-Pacific region. Thrumming with dance, body percussion, syncopated rhythms, and stunning visuals, the performance unites Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Indonesian artists in a joyous rebuke of colonial amnesia.
A groundbreaking commission, Bunyi Bunyi Bumi replaces tired narratives of trade and Empire with truth, resistance, and resilience. Co-directed by raymond d. blanco and Dr. Priya Srinivasan, with co-devisors Waangenga Blanco, Alfira O’Sullivan, Murtala and Tyrel Dulvarie, this contemporary work uses immersive choreography to celebrate the interconnectedness of cultures.
ASIA TOPA FESTIVAL PREMIERE
20 - 23 February 2025 | Bunjil Place, Studio
Creative Team
Co-Directors and Co-Devisors:
raymond blanco (Yadhaigana and Erub) & Priya Srinivasan (Tamil)
Co-Devisors:
Alfira O'Sullivan (Acehnese)
Murtala (Acehnese)
Waangenga Blanco (Meriam and Pajinka Wik)
Tyrel Dulvarie (Yirrganydji)
Spoken word artist: Getano Bann
Visual Design: Vernon Ah Kee (Kuku Yalanji, Waanji, Yidinji, Gugu Yimithirr)
Rehearsal Director: Joshua Bond
Design Dramaturg: Govin Ruben (Malaysian Tamil)
Sound Designer: Samuel Pankhurst
Projection Designer: Sam James
Set & Costume Designer: Harry Gill
Lighting Designer: Kris Chainey
Dramaturg: Katrina Irawati Graham (Sundanese)
Well-Being & First Aid Support: Nix Gross (Noonuccal Ngugi)
Production Manager: Simon Cook (Mamu)
Associate Producer: Luke Peacock (Meriam)
Stage Manager: Lucie Sutherland
Production Coordinator: Emma Holgate (Mandaburra)
Images by Mick Richards - from creative development November 2024, Brisbane
Commissioned by Bunjil Place and Asia TOPA, Arts Centre Melbourne.
Produced by BlakDance.
This project is supported through the Australian Government's Indigenous Languages and Arts program, through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
We also thank Nancy Bamaga, Getano Bann, Keerthi Subramanyam, Sangam, Suara Dance, City of Greater Dandenong, Drum Theatre, Walker Street Gallery, Metro Arts and Thomas Dixon Centre for their support over the creative developments.
