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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
  • 2025
  • Illume
  • Dance
  • First Nations

bangarraillume25 Illume QPAC, Bangarra Dance Theatre Dance, First Nations Bangarra Dance Theatre Illume

1 - 9 Aug 2025
Playhouse
Buy Tickets
$69 - $104 *
* A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.
1 hour 5 minutes
no interval, subject to change without notice

Overview

Step out of the shadows and into the phenomena of light – the central life force of our planet. From the extraordinary Bangarra Dance Theatre comes an iridescent new theatrical experience, drawing together dance, music and visual arts to explore the ways light has captivated and sustained Indigenous cultural existence for millennia. 

Today, artificial light pollution disrupts ecosystems and obscures the dark night sky, devastating First Nations people’s connections to sky country and limiting their ability to share celestial knowledge and skylore. First Nations people stand on the precipice of the world under threat.  

Mirning Choreographer Frances Rings and Goolarrgon Bard Visual Artist Darrell Sibosado’s collaboration explores the awe of light, a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. It charts the impacts of light pollution in a climate emergency. Illume asks the urgent question: is the deep wisdom passed down from elders enough to illuminate a path forward from the shadows of a dark future?  

Journey with us through a kaleidoscope of images, patterns and synergies into the otherworldly language of light. 

Illume is part of Clancestry. Find out more here.

  • ★★★★★
    Exquisite dance show makes for an astonishing visual feast.
    The Guardian 
  • ★★★★★
    Illume is a multidimensional experience that integrates sound, dance and visual design to tell the stories of First Nations people – and it does this with sophistication, spirit and grace.
    ArtsHub
  • ★★★★★
    You will leave with a deep sense of awe and the knowledge that you have witnessed something truly remarkable.
    AU Review
  • ★★★★★
    An otherworldly spectacle.
    TimeOut
  • Illume is dazzling, literally so ... it’s a visually stunning kinetic artwork combining movement and music with images ...
    Limelight
Read the Illume program here

Digital Program [PDF 2MB]

Read the digital program to learn more about the artists and creative process behind Illume.

Read the Illume cheat sheet here

Cheat Sheet

Review the cheat sheet to understand the people, places and stories of Illume before the performance.

Important Information

Please Note

Please be advised, this production may contain voices and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have passed away. 

Age Recommendation

Recommended for ages 12+. 

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.

Concession

Pension and seniors card holders. Available on selected price reserves.

Youth

Under 30 years of age at the time of booking, ID required. Available on selected price reserves.

Great discounts available for adult groups of 10+.
Monday to Thursday
A‑Reserve $69
Friday to Saturday 
A‑Reserve $79

Make a group booking

Great discounts available for school groups of 10+. 1 teacher free per 10 students. 
Monday to Thursday
A and B‑Reserve $35
Friday to Saturday 
A and B‑Reserve $35

Make a school booking

Education Notes

Suitability: Years 7 to 12

This new theatrical experience is suitable to all students as a significant artwork and links to the Cross-Curriculum priority Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures in learning areas The Arts and English. Strongly connected to Dance, Drama and Music curriculums.

View resources

Creatives

  • Choreography Frances Rings and artists of Bangarra Dance Theatre
  • Artistic & Cultural Collaborator Darrell Sibosado
  • Set Design Charles Davis
  • Costume Design Elizabeth Gadsby
  • Lighting Design Damien Cooper
  • Composer Brendon Boney
  • Cultural Consultant Trevor Sampi 
  • AV Design Craig Wilkinson

Gallery

  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud

Inside the Rehearsal Room

  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s rehearsals for IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s rehearsals for IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s rehearsals for IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre’s rehearsals for IllumeImage by Daniel Boud

Behind the Scenes

From the Newsroom

Bangarra's first-ever visual arts collaboration, Illume to light up QPAC this August

Australia’s leading Indigenous performing arts company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, will present the Queensland premiere of their first-ever visual arts collaboration, Illume at QPAC this August.

 

More Info
Clancestry 2025Clancestry artwork by Casey Coolwell-Fisher

QPAC's Clancestry festival returns this July and August

The annual Clancestry festival, a celebration of First Nations arts and culture across an exciting program of concerts, workshops, theatre and children’s events, returns from 23 Jul to 10 Aug.

More Info

Discover More

Explore Clancestry here. Check out our diverse lineup of events – don’t miss a beat!

  • The Visitors featuring the 2023 cast Image by Stephen Wilson Barker

    Clancestry The Visitors

    23 - 26 Jul 2025
    Playhouse

    It’s January 1788 and a mysterious fleet is amassing in the harbour. Seven clan leaders make a momentous decision: to send these strangers on their way or welcome them? 

  • Black History Month: HERstory | HIStory

    Clancestry Black History Month: HERstory | HIStory

    25 Jul 2025, From 6pm
    Melbourne Street Green

    Experience some of the finest local First Nations artists in a night of free live music and storytelling.

  • Clancestry Weaving Workshops

    26 Jul & 2 Aug 2025
    Playhouse Lounge

    Come and learn to weave at Clancestry! Learn about the regeneration of traditional cultural practices using raffia or palm leaves to create your very own masterpiece.

  • WataImage by Sarah Walker

    Clancestry Wata

    31 Jul 2025, 7:30pm
    Concert Hall

    Experience a new form of musical collaboration with Wata, an exciting celebration of the musical traditions of the Wagiluk people.

  • Clancestry 2024 Smoking CeremonyImage by Red Handed Productions

    Clancestry First Gathering

    31 Jul 2025, 5:30pm
    Melbourne Street Green

    Celebrate the First Nations cultures of Brisbane and mark the official opening of Clancestry 2025 with First Gathering.

  • Biggest MobsBackground artwork by Casey Coolwell-Fisher

    Clancestry Biggest Mobs

    1 Aug 2025, 6pm
    Cremorne Theatre

    Get your mob together for a night of powerful, high-energy Blak music! An epic culmination of QPAC’s BlakBeats First Nations music development program.

  • Electric Fields

    Clancestry Electric Fields with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

    2 Aug 2025, 7:30pm
    Concert Hall

    Don’t miss Australian electronic music duo Electric Fields in this unique concert with the full power of Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

  • Clancestry 2024 Mob WordsImage by Lewis Bin Doraho

    Clancestry Live Art at Clancestry

    2 - 10 Aug 2025
    Melbourne Street Green & Town Square, Fish Lane

    Enjoy Live Art at Clancestry as artists create installations and paintings live throughout the festival.

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