The performance of Waŋa, which means spirit, begins behind a thin veil, with a view of the “middle world” and an ancient Yolŋu burial ceremony.
Telling the story of a spirit’s journey after death, Larrakia choreographer Gary Lang has worked with Rirratjŋu tradition man and ceremonial advisor Banula Marika to create the performance.
“This performance is called Spirit and it is the spirit of the Dhuwa clans,” Marika told Yolŋu Matha, with the help of an interpreter.
“When it passes, my spirit will return to my land, the homeland of which we are telling this story.”
The spirit world is said to rejoice over the return of a spirit after death. (Provided by: Paz Tassone) Waŋa is set to music by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. (Provided by: Paz Tassone)
“This is also my other home and place where my spirit and clan come from.”
The collaboration between the NT Dance Company, MIKU Performing Arts and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra attempts to capture the pain and relief of the passing of a spirit.
Lang said her late grandmother also taught her about the spirit world.
“She said ‘what happens Gary, in the spirit world, when that spirit has to come to the physical world, there are tears of sadness because it’s a loss and there are tears of joy in the physical world,'” Lang said.
The performance is a collaboration between Gary Lang and Banula Marika. (ABC News: Felicity James)
“I [after death] it works the other way around, there are tears of sadness because there is a loss and there are tears of joy because he is coming home.”
He said the performance tried to depict the process of passing through a veil from the physical world into an “intermediate world”.
“We don’t know this intermediate world,” he said.
“Between that veil and before we go into heaven, I think that’s where all the ceremony happens in the culture.
Gary Lang describes his works as “indigenous ballet”. (Provided by: Paz Tassone)
“Which helps you leave behind all physical attachments and then enter the world of wonder.”
Funeral ceremonies can last days, weeks or months in Yolŋu culture, including in Mr Marika’s community of Yirrkala.
“It depends on who the person is, the season, what happens over time, it’s not like a clock,” he said.
“It’s time for what needs to happen for this person and for the family.”
In this performance, the ancient story of a spirit on its way home, guided by the morning star, is united with a modern interpretation of pain and mourning.
“Building a relationship with family in East Arnhem Land, it’s not just a one or two day thing, it’s basically a lifetime of connection, making that connection, building that trust,” Lang said.
“I’m still learning, and especially in traditional culture, I’m still learning.
Small samples of ancient rituals were incorporated during the performance. (ABC News: Felicity James)
“I’m not saying I know everything, but I have to do the right things by asking for permission.”
Mr. Marika has been more than willing to share his knowledge with others.
“It’s helping to come together and learn each other’s culture and understand each other better,” he said.
“So people can understand our culture that makes more than 80,000 people.”
Modern movement has merged with ancient rituals in Waŋa. (ABC News: Felicity James) After death, the spirit follows the morning star home. (ABC News: Felicity James)