Tertiary Catalogue

Woollarawarre Bennelong was a senior man of the Eora, from the Port Jackson area in Sydney. With extraordinary curiosity and diplomacy, Bennelong led his community to survive a clash of cultures, and left a legacy that reverberates through contemporary life. Bennelong is Bangarra at its best. In a unique Australian dance language, the company celebrates the continuation of life and culture through the power, artistry and passion of the country’s most outstanding dancers. With its immersive soundscapes and exquisite design, Bennelong will leave you in awe of Australia’s history – and its power to repeat. Teachers are advised to review the work before selecting it for study, as it includes scenes/themes that some viewers may find challenging. Show Less

Living on the Plateau, at an average elevation of over 12 thousand feet above sea level, the Tibetan people are known to be compassionate, bold, candid and devout. Most Tibetans practice Tibetan Buddhism. Just as the distinctive geographical and weather conditions in the region have influenced their dance movements, Tibetans sacred religious beliefs and political climate have also had an impact. This programme combines both Tibetan folk dance and stage dance performances of The Song of the Emancipated Serfs choreographed by Xu Xiaoping of China Central University for Nationalities and Tibetan Mystery choreographed by Yang Liping (also lead dancer). In addition, Madam Yang provides insight into her artistic and casting choices for Tibetan Mystery. Show Less

In this programme, the ethereal voice of Buren Bayaer (a legendary Inner Mongolian singer), along with the images of yurts and running horses, brings the audience to an otherworldly setting of Inner Mongolia. Inner Mongolians, in general, are known to excel at horse riding. The span of the great plain has cultivated the openness and strength in this ethnic group and nurtured their vigorous, bold and energetic dances. Distinguished Inner Mongolian dancers, Dun E Er and Si Qin Hua, demonstrate traditional Mongolian Horse Dance, Chopstick Dance and Bowl Dance. It features Leaping Horses choreographed by Ma Yue of China Central University for Nationalities, a contemporary stage dance presentation inspired by Mongolian horse dance tradition. An interview with Ma Yue provides an insight into the conceptual and artistic choices made in the creation of this dance piece. Show Less

Han is the largest ethnic group in China, whose people inhabit the middle and eastern regions of the country. Han folk dance tradition started on the streets in the 5th century as ritual events. Nowadays, this tradition named Yangko flourishes everywhere, on the streets, in classrooms and on stages. This programme showcases a myriad of Yangko forms, both on and off stage, including Northeastern Yanko, Shandong Yanko and Shanbei Yanko, each has its distinctive features. The stage presentations of the Northeastern Yanko titled Happy Snow choreographed by Wang Xiaoyan and performed by Ming Li of Shanghai Theatre Academy, and the Shandong Yanko named Blossoms of Mountain Flowers choreographed by Chi Hong and Miao Xiaolong and performed/produced by the Dance Department of Shanghai Normal University are stunning examples of this dance form. Show Less

Located in the southwest region of China, Dai people enjoy mild weather and beautiful landscapes of mountains and lakes. While the water splashing and dragon boating events held in their annual spring festival showcase the close ties between their culture and the land, the water running in the rivers and lakes has often been the inspiration for their dance creations. The dance presentation titled Playing with Water allows the audience to experience vicariously the heat of the sunlight and the crystal clear water streaming though the river. This dance captures the unique body movements of Dai Dance that reflects the cordial and gentle nature of this ethnic group. Show Less

Neighbouring with the Dai group, Aini group lives primarily in and around mountains and canyons at an altitude of twenty-five to eighty hundred feet. They are famous for their production of Pu-erh tea. Dancing and singing are second nature to the Aini people. In this programme, while listening to the folk song titled Magical Village by famous Aini singer Mi Xian, the audience will enjoy Aini cultural traditions of tea brewing and folk dancing by girls clapping to the rhythm and wearing spectacular ceremonial costumes. Show Less

This programme provides an overview of the historical development of Long Sleeve Dance, a dance form dating back to the 7th century BCE, a time that is known as the Spring-and-Autumn period in Chinese history. It introduces a some of the codified language of Long Sleeve Dance. Highlighted are the Long Sleeve Dance performances titled The Colours of Water choreographed by Wang Yukun and Miao Xiaolong and Zhao Jun Departs the Frontier choreographed by Jiang Huaxuan. In Zhao Jun Departs the Frontier, Liu Min, a nationally acclaimed dance master, employs exquisite language of Long Sleeve to convey the conflicted emotions of Zhao Jun (one of "The Four Beauties" known in Chinese History) as she leaves her homeland and lavish lifestyle for the grasslands of the remote north as part of peace treaty. The dance tells an ancient story of loyalty, heroism and self-sacrifice for the common good. Show Less

Dunhuang Dance is a form of Chinese dance that draws sources from body movements depicted in artefacts found in Dunhuang Mogao Caves. Located in Gansu Province of China, along the Silk Route, at the crossroads of trade as well as religious, cultural and intellectual influences, the seven hundred and thirty five caves are famous for their statues and fresco paintings, spanning 1,000 year of Buddhist art. Thousand Hand Guan Yin, a representative of Dunhuang Dance featured in this programme is a contemporary creation conceived by the renowned Chinese choreographer, Zhang Jigang, and produced by the China Disabled Performing Art Troupe. In this dance, a group of hearing-impaired dancers effectively utilise their body language to communicate the magic of "thousand hands" and hints at the deep meaning of Buddhism, its luminescence and boundless love. Show Less

A young man reconciles ancient tradition with the modern, urban world in this debut feature from Stephen Page, artistic director of Australia’s renowned Bangarra Dance Theatre. Primarily utilizing gesture and dance, with minimal dialogue, 'Spear' follows a young man named Djali (Hunter Page-Lochard) from the Australian outback to the streets of Sydney on his quest to understand what it means to be a man with ancient traditions in a modern world. Despite the fragmentation of Indigenous cultures, it is in the complex interconnection between places that Djali will ultimately discover his own power — a power linking past, present, and future. Show Less

In this programme, students will find accessible explanations and examples of persuasive literary techniques used in advertising. The common rhetorical devices stipulated in the Australian Curriculum for English are demonstrated in engaging detail. The theme of car commercials provides a useful context in which students can explore the effect of multiple techniques, including allusion, simile and metaphor, hyperbole, personification, evaluative language and parody. Show Less

"The study of acting should begin with physical action - a specialised, structured, flexible and adaptable physical action that is enlisted in the direct service of the expression of thought and feeling. I call this integrated physical action an expressive action." -Michael Lugering. A group of actors work through a series of carefully structured exercises and improvisations that unlock the physical, raw materials that make human expression possible. Whether the actor is expressing love, loss, rage or joy, unlocking these universal will provide the building blocks for captivating and dynamic acting. Show Less

Joan Melton, an internationally recognised actor trainer and author, interviews master teacher Michael Lugering in a theoretical discussion of recent discoveries in philosophy, somatic psychology, neuroscience and aesthetics that underpin the integrated voice, movement and acting method presented in this series. Show Less

A group of actors demonstrate a series of voice and body exercises that unite a series of moving, breathing and sounding actions in an integrated full-bodied acting workout. These smart exercises do more than simply build essential skills in alignment, movement, respiration, resonance and range, but simultaneously prepare the actor for the expression of the body's richest and most powerful thoughts and feelings. The goal is the development of a flexible and dynamic voice and body that is hard-wired to express thought and feeling. Show Less

Choreography by Stephen Page Produced by Bangarra Dance Theatre in 2013. As the colonial fleet arrived on Eora country in the late 18th Century, Patyegarang befriended the colony’s timekeeper, Lieutenant William Dawes, gifting him her language in an extraordinary display of trust and friendship, which now inspires our imaginations about ‘first contact’. Show Less

Reaching agreement on the meaning and ‘spirit’ of the Treaty of Waitangi - New Zealand’s founding document - has led to fierce debate and violent conflict between European settlers and Maoris since its signing in 1840 until the present day. This documentary style program looks at events leading up to the signing, consequences of the signing, the key points of difference in the two versions of the treaty, the treaty in the twentieth century, and the founding of the Waitangi Tribunal. There are interviews with New Zealand historians Claudia Orange, Dr Benjamin Pittman (Great-Great Grandson of Maori Chief Patuone) and Mark Derby. Suitable for New Zealand history, culture-related and indigenous rights studies at the senior secondary and further education level. It provides a good introduction to the treaty and the controversies, and points of contention surrounding it. Show Less

Choreography by Frances Rings Produced by Bangarra Dance Theatre in 2012. Described as a hymn to Country, 'Terrain' transports us to Lake Eyre, the place of Australia’s inland sea and one of the few untouched natural waterways in the world. Bangarra explores the relationship of Indigenous people to Country and how the landscape becomes a second kin. Show Less

For over 200 years, migration has been intrinsic to Australia’s national identity. In the first of three migration programs for upper primary viewers, the colonisation of Australia from 1788-1900 is depicted. A range of storytelling methods are used to recreate the often scary and exciting atmosphere of these early times. The final two segments look specifically at the migrant experiences of the British and Chinese, especially during the Gold Rush period. Their stories are told in an accessible and authentic way, providing audiences with a dramatic first-hand account of Australia’s turbulent beginnings. This is an ideal resource which shows how, in less than a century, the country went from an outback penal colony to a nation striving for independence. Show Less

Aboriginal art is world-renowned when it comes to dot paintings. There is, however, an incredible diversity of Aboriginal art outside of this style. Focusing on philosophy and culture, this interview-based programme explores what is meant by ‘Aboriginal art’, inspiration and influence, interpretation and symbolism, and meanings and messages. It also investigates the cultural functions of art. We talk with urban and traditional Aboriginal artists from across the country, including Brook Andrew; Bindi Cole; desert artist, Otto; Australian art historian, Dr Susan Lowish; and curator Phillip Batty. Perfect for senior secondary and TAFE students in the fields of fine art, art history and cultural studies, this production digs beneath the surface to explore the rich complexity and cultural significance of Aboriginal art practices. Show Less

Aboriginal art is world-renowned when it comes to dot paintings. There is, however, an incredible diversity of Aboriginal art outside of this style. Focusing on materials and practice, this interview-based programme explores the relationship between country, perspectives and context, materials and process, technique, style, and the Aboriginal art industry. We talk with urban and traditional Aboriginal artists from across the country, including Brook Andrew; Bindi Cole; desert artist, Otto; Australian art historian, Dr Susan Lowish; curator, Phillip Batty; and those involved in production on Aboriginal communities. Perfect for senior secondary and TAFE students in the fields of fine art, art history and cultural studies, this production looks at the many methods and mediums used in the production of Aboriginal art. Show Less

A guide through the sometimes diverse ideas, designs and innovations that developed during the postmodern era. Includes footage filmed at the Alessi factory and museum and other Milan design houses, and interviews with Alberto Alessi himself, Memphis designer, George Sowden and postmodern architect and designer, Mendini. We also take a look round the V&A's Postmodernism exhibition with its curator. Show Less

Explore the ideas, materials, colours and technologies adopted by Pop Art. Then examine how this movement created new images, shapes and forms that continue to influence artists and designers today. Filmed in the UK and New York this resource talks to leading designers about how the work of pop artists like Lichtenstein, Warhol and Sir Peter Blake, continue to influence design. Show Less

Not long after the start of the 20th Century, playwrights, influenced by the horrors of war, began to experiment with theatre in a way which depicted many of the long held historical, social and cultural beliefs and practices as meaningless and chaotic. Incorporating interviews with influential director Bijan Sheibani and other key figures, this film traces the evolution of modern theatre from its Existentialist roots through Absurdism to Realism via the works of Ionesco, Beckett, Pinter and even the writers of Coronation Street. Show Less

The period between 1750 and 1918 was a time of great political, social and economic change. The very fabric of human society and thought was shifting in profound ways. In this program we dig deep into history to examine the major shifts from Imperialism to Nationalism, Capitalism to Egalitarianism. Featuring leading academics and clear explanations, this program consolidates a huge amount of information, putting it into context with excellent examples. Focusing on the British Empire and the slow loosening of her grip on the world, we see just how our modern world was formed. Show Less

This dynamic programme takes an in-depth look at the structure and components of narrative writing. Whether it be a novel, short story, film or video game, narratives can take many forms but will always include character, plot, setting and themes. These elements are brought to life through the careful stylistic choices of the author. This programme provides clear and concise explanations of the key elements of narrative writing with examples that viewers will readily relate to. Show Less

To some, street art and graffiti is nothing but vandalism. But to these young artists, it is a vital form of self expression. In this eye-opening programme we speak to eight members of Melbourne's thriving street art scene. Through their stories we examine not only Melbourne's street art scene, but also the contribution of street art and graffiti to art and society globally. We explore the history of street art, the influences on our featured artists, and the materials and techniques they use. We also define street art and graffiti, and discuss the contentious issue of street art in the gallery. Show Less