A cast of dynamic young Indigenous dancers and emerging artists collaborated with professional artists working towards the creation of the dance work Crossing Paths. In the process and journey of creating the works original contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance and music the artists and young performers explored themes of identity and choice. As with many of Kurrurus performance works, Crossing Paths began in the rehearsal and workshop studio in Dec ’05 and Jan ’06 followed by a development and rehearsal period in Feb March ’06.

The dancers, ranging in ages from 10 – 20 years, with various levels of experience, created a 50 minute original contemporary dance show under the creative guidance of Gina Rings and Deon Hastie. Supporting Gina and Deon and to guide the cultural components of the work, Karl Telfer, Georgina Williams and Aunty Josie Agius were engaged to ensure appropriate local Kaurna and traditional elements, while Felix Kerry worked with male cast members on the traditional Torres Strait Islander dance and music section. Crossing Paths combined contemporary and traditional dance styles linked by original music and design.

The highly emotive original score was created by emerging Torres Strait Islander composer Felix Kerry. Felix worked alongside well known musician/composer Catherine Oates to realise the original score. Felix successfully melded his original music with Kaurna language and story inter-woven into the soundscape spoken by Georgina Williams.  For the traditional Aboriginal section the music was created by Karl Telfer and for the Torres Strait Islander traditional dance section Felix Kerry performed live singing and drumming to accompany the dancers.

Throughout the creative process Kurruru placed an emphasis on mentoring and supporting emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers as part of our commitment to providing real pathways and increasing the pool of Indigenous arts workers in SA.

Crossing Paths featured as part of the Adelaide Fringe 06 where it was nominated for and won ‘Best Dance Show’ at the Fringe Awards.

Crossing Paths Cast:

Jarvis Harrison-Bilney, Ikaika F’Aoso, Kristen Khan, Lisa Khan, Damien Ralphs, Patrick Sagigi, Tjimarri Sanderson-Millera, Caleena Sansbury, Taree Sansbury, Misty Sparrow, Cameron Weetra, Tanya Weetra, Kirsty Williams, Shae Williams

Crossing Paths Crew

Choreographers: Gina Rings and Deon Hastie, Producers: Sasha Zahra and Diat Alferink, Composer: Felix Kerry, Composition Mentor: Catherine Oates, Lighting: Nic Mollison, Designer: Louise Dunn, Assistant Designer: Nunya Glazbrook, Wardrobe: Tia King & Sèana O’Brien, Stage Manager: Sasha Zahra, Production Assistants: Ian Morehead, Alex Logue & Alan Cheek, Lighting Design Mentoree: James Alberts, Bus Driver/Support Worker: Les Sparrow, Cultural Advisors: Georgina Williams, Waiata Telfer & Karl Telfer, Front of House: Nicola Rankine, Catering: Narissa Clarke, Publicity: Kerrynne Liddle