A groundbreaking collaboration between First Nations and Taiwanese artists will premiere at Arts Centre Melbourne this month with Gapu Ŋupan (Chasing the rainbow).
The production weaves together ancient songlines from North East Arnhem Land with storytelling from Paiwan and Amis artists, creating a powerful vision of cultural connection through dance, song and live instrumentation.
Created over five years of cross-cultural exchange, the work features spine-tingling songs in Paiwan language, striking video installations and handmade traditional costumes that bring centuries of cultural knowledge to the stage.
Gapu Ŋupan performances:
- Tuesday February 27 – Arts Centre Melbourne
- Wednesday February 28 – Arts Centre Melbourne
- Thursday February 29 – Arts Centre Melbourne
- Friday March 1 – Arts Centre Melbourne
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Leading the cultural direction is Yolŋu elder Banula Marika, a respected artist and founding member of both Bangarra Dance Theatre and Yothu Yindi. With over 40 years experience as a Songman and dancer, Marika brings deep cultural knowledge from his role as a Dhimmuru ranger and cultural leader of the Rirratjingu clan.
The production unites Marika with multi-award winning Amis artist Suming Rupi as co-artistic director and composer. Rupi, who founded Taiwan’s largest Indigenous music festival, brings contemporary Indigenous storytelling through his acclaimed work as a singer-songwriter, actor and dancer.
Completing the creative team is co-artistic director and choreographer Rachel Wallis, whose 30-year career includes performing with Bangarra Dance Theatre. As Artistic Director of Miku Performing Arts, Wallis continues her commitment to preserving ancient knowledge through contemporary First Nations performance.
Throughout his celebrated career, Marika has performed alongside artists including Midnight Oil, Santana, INXS, Kylie Minogue and The West Australian Ballet Company. But his true passion lies in mentoring young men through ceremony and song, sharing the cultural knowledge of his Yolŋu homeland.
The world premiere season promises a rare glimpse into ancient cultures forging connections across oceans, bringing together traditional and contemporary performance in a celebration of living culture.
For tickets and more information, head here.
