Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
movements like set arm, leg and body movements differed greatly. Ceremonial or ritual
dances were highly structured and distinct from the dancing that people did socially at
corroborrees. Like other art forms, dance has adapted to the modern world and contem-
porary dance companies and groups have merged traditional forms into a modern inter-
pretation. The most well known dance company is the internationally acclaimed com-
pany Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Theatre also draws on the storytelling tradition. Currently there are two major Abori-
ginal theatre companies, Ilbijerri in Melbourne and Yirra Yakin in Perth. In addition there
are several mainstream companies that specialise in Aboriginal stories. These companies
have had several successes with productions here and overseas. Australia has a thriving
Aboriginal theatre industry and many Aboriginal actors and writers work in or collabor-
ate with mainstream productions. Traditionally drama and dance came together in cere-
monies or corroborees and this still occurs in many contemporary productions.
The Macqaurie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature offers over 200 years of Aborigin-
al culture, history and life. It starts with Bennelong's letter in 1796 and includes works
from some of Aboriginal Australia's best writers. This topic gives readers an insight into
Aboriginal history and culture.
www.allenandunwin.com
;
TV, Radio & Film
Aboriginal people have quickly adapted to electronic broadcasting and have developed
an extensive media network of radio, print and television services.
There are more than 120 Aboriginal radio stations and programs operating across Aus-
tralia in cities, rural areas and remote communities. Program formats differ from location
to location. Some broadcast only in Aboriginal languages or cater to a specific music
taste.
There is a thriving Aboriginal film industry and in the last few years feature films like
The Sapphires
,
Bran Nue Day
and
Samson and Delilah
have had mainstream success.
Since the first Aboriginal television channel, NITV, was launched in 2007, there has been
a growth in the number of filmmakers wanting to tell their stories.
History of Aboriginal Australia
Before the coming of Europeans to Australia, culture was the common link for Aborigin-
al people across Australia. There were many aspects that were common to all groups in
