SandSong: Stories from the Great Sandy Desert

ASB Waterfront Theatre
Friday 17 March, 7.30pm & Pre-Show Talk, 6.30pm
Audience Suitability: Secondary (Years 9-13)
Curriculum Links: Dance, Social Studies, History, Music, Visual Arts

Please email schools@aaf.co.nz to book your place.

Education Resources

Provided by The Bangarra Dance Company, this extensive education pack for students is essential pre- and post- show teaching.

SandSong Study Guide

Bangarra's in-depth SandSong resource is adapted with an NCEA insert provided by AAF. Get the most from your visit with activities to develop critical response and literacy skills for one NCEA Dance exam topic at Levels 1-3.

SandSong NCEA Activities

AAF has provided an additional education resource that examines the history of colonisation of Aotearoa.

Download "Through the Lens of Aotearoa" here

An Australian national treasure, Bangarra is one of the most respected First Nations companies on the planet.

SandSong is a powerful, deeply moving story, drawing on stories, knowledge and memories of past to create a new narrative for Indigenous futures.

Between the 1920s and 1960s, many Aboriginal people were removed from their Country onto pastoral stations where they were forced into hard labour, usually for no wages and only minimal rations. Despite this displacement and cultural disruption, the Traditional Peoples of the Western Desert have maintained unbroken connection to Country, keeping songs, stories, kinship and lore strong.

SandSong is created in consultation with Wangkatjungka/Walmajarri Elders from the Kimberley and Great Sandy Desert regions, presenting a story of resilience and connection that is both specific and widely resonant – an ambitious, adroitly executed performance that equally “celebrates” and “pulls no punches” (Limelight).

This work honours the legacy of Ningali Josie Lawford-Wolf (1967–2019) and her family – past, present and future

★★★★★ “SandSong is a treasure... I was left with an overwhelming sense of awe.” — Artshub

★★★★★ “Stunning on every level.” — Limelight

★★★★ “An astounding gift. Rich in history and spirit... You leave the performance knowing you’ve witnessed something deeply powerful and intimate.” — Bachtrack
“Sinuous, sinewy and transcendent: SandSong proves Bangarra is one of Australia’s best dance companies.” — The Conversation