I remember attending a performance of Chinese ‘opera’ in Beijing in 1984. I have almost gotten the sound of the screeching out of my head. I don’t adapt well to cultural differences involving atonal sounds. So I was a little skeptical when I was invited to a performance of Terrain by the Bangarra Dance Co at the Arts Centre, Melbourne. I didn’t think this would be my cup of tea, especially if there were political overtones which pervade much of what passes for drama at the MTC, Malthouse and Belvoir Street.
Forget all of this and see this production because it was very good. The music was modern and haunting, the agility of the dancers made me feel like a cube.
Father M 