Stephen Page’s Baleen Moondjan | Interview

In his first major commission since leaving Bangarra Dance Theatre, creative visionary Stephen Page brings his contemporary ceremony, Baleen Moondjan, will return to Country in his hometown. Stephen Page, the creator, director, and co-writer of this powerful celebration of First Nations stories, shares his insights into the development of Baleen Moondjan.  

With elements of dance, music, and stunning set design, how would you describe Baleen Moondjan?  

Baleen Moondjan is a celebration of the strength and simplicity of caring for knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation. In one sense, it is a simple story. But I hope it can have a broader impact by bringing First Nations’ stories to a bigger audience, by building a stronger connection between the ancient culture of this continent and modern Australia.  

Where do you draw inspiration from and what is your creative process like?  

My head and dreaming and imagination are always alive: I’m always dreaming with my eyes open and thinking about stories. One of the beautiful things about Baleen Moondjan has been stepping into my own backyard and my mother’s Ngugi/Nunukul Country to inspire me. It is a way of reconnecting with past generations and also a way of caring whilst celebrating contemporary ceremonial death cycle from our kinship system. 

Can you tell us about the incredible performers you have brought together for this collaboration?  

The cast, too, are like family: performer Elaine Crombie (Granny Gindara) who featured in my final work with Bangarra, Wudjang: Not the Past, the story of my father’s country the Yugambeh nation of southeast Queensland, Christine Anu and Rodger Corser’s daughter Zipporah Corser-Anu (the granddaughter), singer and musician Taj Pigram (grandson of the famous Pigram Brothers’ Steve Pigram), and drummer and rapper Dobby, along with Brendan Boney and the extraordinary former Bangarra dancers Beau Riley Smith, Kian Doyle, Glory, Tara Gusta and Rika H.  

How do you want people to feel after seeing this incredible experience? 

Moved, uplifted, inspired whilst ceremonially shifting their spiritual consciousness.  

Who is your perfect audience member for Baleen Moondjan?  

This connects to all people as it tells an intergenerational story. Our hope is that families will come together and reflect on connections to their own kinship.