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Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

  • …
  • What’s On
  • 2024
  • Waru – journey of the small turtle
  • Family / Kids
  • First Nations

bangarrawaru24 Waru – journey of the small turtle Bangarra Dance Theatre, QPAC Family / Kids, First Nations Bangarra Dance Theatre Waru – journey of the small turtle

26 - 29 Jun 2024
Playhouse
Buy Tickets
$35 *
* A transaction fee of $7.20 applies.
45 minutes
no interval, subject to change without notice

Overview

Under the star-illuminated skies of the Torres Strait, a green turtle navigates her way back to the beach where she was born

The season has started, the turtles are returning to nest, and soon the island will welcome a new generation of hatchlings – amongst them, our small turtle friend, Migi!

In Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children, join our heroine Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival. A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru – journey of the small turtle is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for 3 to 8-year-olds and their families.

Created by former Bangarra Artistic Director, Stephen Page, together with Hunter Page-Lochard and Bangarra alumni Dancers and Choreographers Sani Townson and Elma Kris, Waru provides parents, teachers and caregivers a unique opportunity to open up conversations about climate change, caring for the environment and the traditional cultural values of respect and reciprocity.

  • ★★★★
    Waru is less of a show for an audience, more of an event in which the audience is part of the action.
    Sydney Morning Herald
  • This was my favourite show. I liked the naughty lizard. Can we please see it again?
    Sonny (Aged 5)
  • Perfect for the littlest culture connoisseurs…
    Time Out Sydney
  • A stunning way of introducing the importance of how we can make a difference to the environment...
    Theatre Travels
  • Bangarra has thoughtfully created a fully immersive experience.
    Artsplorers

Important Information

Age Recommendation

Waru – journey of the small turtle is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for 3 to 8-year-olds and their families. Children under 18 months old who do not occupy a seat are free on the knee. 

Celebrate 40 Years of QPAC and Win!

Purchase a ticket at QPAC in 2025 and go in the draw to win a Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid, thanks to Hyundai – proud Principal Partner of QPAC.

To enter the competition, submit an entry form via the QPAC 40 Giveaway competition page. Terms and conditions apply.

Playhouse Visual and Sensory Guide

The Playhouse Visual and Sensory Guide [PDF, 2 MB] provides information on what you can expect while visiting QPAC.

Official ticketing service for QPAC

QTIX is our official ticketing service with selected packages sold through authorised resellers only. Read more about purchasing tickets online.

Family

Great discounts available for groups of 4+.

A minimum of 4 tickets must be purchased, for the same performance and within the same transaction.

Must select “Family 4+” in your basket from the dropdown option.

Great discounts available for adult groups of 4+. 

A-Reserve
$25.00

Make a group booking

Great discounts available for school groups of 10+. 1 free teacher per 10 students. 
A-Reserve $25

Make a school booking

Education Notes

Suitability: 3 to 8 year olds

Waru – Journey of the Small Turtle provides teachers, caregivers and parents a unique opportunity to open up conversations about caring for the environment and the traditional cultural values of respect and reciprocity.

View resources

Gallery

Gallery

  • Migi the turtle and Aka Malu - Storyteller on the set of Bangarra Dance Theatre's Waru – journey of the small turtle. Photo by Daniel Boud.

Creative Team

  • Director Stephen Page
  • Cultural Creatives Sani Townson and Elma Kris
  • Writer Hunter Page-Lochard
  • Composers Steve Francis and David Page (dec.)
  • Featured Songs By Helen Anu, Leonora Adidi and Peggy Misi
  • Set and Costume Design Jacob Nash
  • Lighting Design Matt Cox
  • Language Consultant Leonora Adidi

Artists

  • Aka Malu - Storyteller Elma Kris
  • Performer Aba Bero

Waru Introduction Notes

  • Waru Introduction Notes To Audio Described Performance Download [37KB Word Doc]

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