A PERFORMANCE on Town Green to mark the beginning of Port Macquarie's bicentenary celebrations aims to acknowledge our past and the importance of truth-telling through the medium of dance.
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Gumba, the Birpai word for "tomorrow", has been choreographed by Bangarra Dance Theatre performer Ryan Pearson.
It will be performed at 5pm and 6.30pm on Friday and Saturday night, April 9-10, under the fig tree on Town Green.
Ryan said the performance was an opportunity to explore message-making through creative artistry.
"I wanted to create a contemporary dance that was inspired by how I felt about the invasion and survival of Indigenous peoples throughout the time of the settlement," Ryan said.
"I was inspired by several things - the Baiame creation story, the fleets arriving on Hastings River, the Stolen Generation and various protests and marches.
"I also hope to evoke a feeling of learning for all people that come to watch about the history and current issues of indigenous peoples and culture."
Ryan is 24 and grew up on Biripi country in Taree.
His grandmother, Mary Miller, was one of the first Aboriginal ballet dancers to earn a place in the West Australian Ballet.
He has been dancing with the Bangarra Dance Theatre since 2017.
Gumba features 25 Indigenous and non-Indigenous dancers from the local area.
Bring a picnic rug or folding chair and enjoy the sunset performance of this culturally significant work.
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