#sydney REVIEW – The Bogong's Song: A Call to Country.
This new production by Bangarra Dance Theatre, created by Yolande Brown and Chenoa Deemal, follows the award-winning Waru – Journey of the Small Turtle, which we loved, so we couldn’t wait to see this new work!
The Bogong’s Song: A Call to Country is a beautiful story about a brother and sister that mixes storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance, and song. The Bogong Moth holds immense cultural significance for First Nations clans in southeastern Australia, and ancient songlines carry its story. The work also highlights the decline in Bogong Moth populations due to land clearing, urban development, climate change, and city light pollution.
It reminded me of an article I read in June this year by the University of South Australia, which I thought was fascinating and fitting with this story. The Bogong Moth navigates hundreds of kilometres during its annual migration using constellations and the Milky Way, making it the first known invertebrate to rely on a stellar compass for long-distance travel!
Tjilala Brown-Roberts and Benjin Maza showcased their talents across dance, music, and language in this work, and the audience enjoyed watching and engaging with the show.
Mister was moved by the story and drew something after the show that said, “Tick tock time, it’s all about time, use it wisely.” Miss loved watching the two actors and their incredible range of skills throughout the performance. I was reminded that we ought to connect with nature more often, especially when we need a reset.
The Bogong’s Song is on until 19 October 2025. Recommended for children aged 5 and over, with a duration of 55 minutes (no interval). Be sure to check out the art activity before and after the show, where kids and adults can make their own Bogong Moth!
#hosted #invited #TheBogongsSong @bangarradancetheatre
Photos by @busycitykids. Production Images (c) Jordan Munns.
What guides you through the darkness when you’ve lost your way? A whisper on the wind. A shimmer in the stars. A moth in flight.
When a brother and sister turn out the lights for the night, their Nan promises to tell them a story. Like the beating wings of the Bogong moth, her voice carries them into dreams, into an extraordinary world where Country shares its secrets. In this place, the past speaks through stars, trees, and grasses. Healing begins in the silence between breaths.
The Bogong’s Song: a call to Country is a blend of storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance, and song created especially for primary-aged children. As Nan passes her knowledge to her grandchildren, we’re all invited to experience connection to Country. And as the children open their hearts to the stories of their ancestors, we discover that even the smallest creatures have a vital role to play.
This brand-new work from Yolande Brown and Chenoa Deemal follows the award-winning Waru – journey of the small turtle, which enthralled more than 25,000 children last year.
Featuring Benjin Maza and Tjilala Brown-Roberts, whose talents in dance, music, and spoken word bring this warm-hearted story to life – The Bogong’s Song invites young audiences to listen, reflect, and wonder.
Bangarra Dance Theatre respectfully acknowledges and thanks the Monaro Ngarigo Cultural Authorities. We also honour the knowledge holders across the many communities connected by the Bogong Moth’s migration.
Event Details:
Dates: 8th to 19th October 2025
Duration: 55 minutes, no interval
Suitable for: For children aged 5+ and their families.
Location: Bangarra Dance Theatre
Notes: Audio Described Performances Available