Adelaide Festival’s Glenelg Beach debut
Tuesday 24 October 2023
A whale-inspired set will be the backdrop to the world premiere of Baleen Moondjan, a captivating dance production that will also mark the official opening of the 2024 Adelaide Festival.
Its debut on Glenelg Beach will also be the first time the Adelaide Festival opening will be held outside of the city.
City of Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson says it’s an “incredible opportunity”.
“It’s going to be magnificent, and we cannot wait to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event,” she said.
According to the Adelaide Festival website, Baleen Moondjan is a contemporary ceremony from creative visionary Stephen Page in his first major commission since leaving Bangarra Dance Theatre.
The production is inspired by a story from Stephen’s grandmother from the Ngugi/Nunukul/Moondjan people of Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island).
Set among giant whale bones on the beach, Baleen Moondjan tells the story of a proud Elder, a curious granddaughter and the day a baleen whale comes close to shore.
The whale is there to catch Granny Gindara’s spirit and carry it out to sea – a farewell, a celebration, a poignant start to a final journey.
Baleen Moondjan recognises the intertwining relationships between all living creatures and our connection to earth, sky and sea.
There’ll be four performances of Baleen Moondjan on Glenelg Beach starting on Wednesday 28 February 2024.
Other dates are Thursday 29 February, Friday 1 March and Saturday 2 March, all starting at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now.
The City of Holdfast Bay is one of the Adelaide Festival’s partners for the 2024 event, which will feature 16 world premieres, 12 Australian premieres and 23 exclusive productions.