The River of Art Festival will feature a fusion of dance and digital art with a captivating  performance of the story of the First People of Noorooma by the Djaadjawan Dancers on 4-5 October 2024.

“We are thrilled to present this new performance of Barunguba, bringing together the traditions of dance and song combined with digital storytelling, video projections and animations”, said River of Art Festival Chair Leanne Joyce. 

“The performance will strengthen and continue the traditions of storytelling but in an exciting, contemporary setting using digital art techniques”.

Barunguba tells of a tragedy involving the First People from Noorooma and Barunguba/Montague island while being a story of healing and resilience.

Creative lead of the project, Sharon Mason, a Yuin woman from Noorooma, said the heart of this project is about respectfully engaging regional communities.

“The Barunguba performance demonstrates the strength of cultural and environmental heritage with this story and innovation with the inclusion of digital art, video storytelling, song and dance”, said Sharon.

The creative team is led by Sharon Mason and the Djaadjawan Dancers, with creative director Scott Baker, motion graphics artist Duncan Irving, and technical team Visumotus.

This special performance builds on the River of Art’s experience in showcasing the latest in digital arts while sharing a significant local story as an integral part of the Festival.

“This performance will be a highlight of the Festival. Our sincere thanks to CreateNSW for supporting this project and showcasing the creative arts in regional NSW”, said Leanne. 

The annual River of Art Festival will be held from 27 September to 7 October and will engage and showcase the diversity of the Eurobodalla’s arts, artists, environment and culture through open studios, exhibitions, performances and the River of Art Prize. 

Barunguba will be held at the Bay Pavilions in Batemans Bay on Friday October 4, and a matinee and evening performance on Saturday October 5. Tickets will be available through the Bay Pavilions in September.