A Dance Reckoning of Truth, Place and Belonging
Proudly presented by NAISDA and Carriageworks, NAISDA’s 2023 production of ATI – A Dance Reckoning of Truth, Place and Belonging, premiered at Carriageworks from Friday 21 to Saturday 22 July 2023.
“Each vignette from ATI is unique in style and message, making the evening feel as if it comprises a treasure-trove of miniture works that are perfectly formed, intriguingly different and yet – to Hastie’s credit – cohesive”
– Chantal Nguyen, The Saturday Paper
Read the full review here.
Directed by NAISDA’s Head of Dance, Deon Hastie, a descendent of the Djabugay people of Far North Queensland, the production was a powerful declaration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survival and belonging.
Performed by NAISDA’s practising and developing artists, ATI voiced the First Nations experience through cultural and contemporary First Nations dance stories, vibrant projections and an emotionally charged soundscape of song and live voices.
NAISDA was honoured to have Cultural Tutors, Dharug and Gubbi Gubbi man Stuart McMinn, Dujon Niue from Mua Island in the Torres Strait and Jeanette Fabila perform and share their cultural knowledge, dance and songs with ATI audiences. The performance was also brought to life through the work of international visual installation artist Tetsutoshi Tabata. Tabata incorporated commissioned light projections and scenography to bring evocative textures, lighting and kinetic effects to the dancework.
Mr Hastie explained how the performance confronted uncomfortable truths in order to challenge the weight of the system, and to guide young First Nations people through dislocation and loss.
“ATI is a portrayal of Australia’s history marked by greed, guilt, violence and inequality. We share a journey of lived experiences and it is not always an easy one.
“I am incredibly proud of NAISDA’s emerging artists for using dance as a powerful medium to share these truths, and while ATI explored challenging themes, it was still a celebration. We find the light and support within ourselves, each other and the spirit of Country to celebrate and lift one another up.
“ATI brought us together in celebration of the essence that resonates within all living things as it sustains and provides,” he concluded.
Learn more about ATI’s cast and crew in the digital program below.
ATI Digital Program