Charcoal by Keia McGrady
Dates
Hours
Duration
Location
Presented by Bunjil Place, Sydney Dance Company, Dancehouse and Australian Dance Theatre
Charcoal is a contemporary dance performance that invites audiences to reflect on what caring for Country looks and feels like.
Inspired by choreographer Keia McGrady’s personal family stories, cultural knowledge passed down through generations and time spent on Country. The performance explores connection, belonging, how landscapes change over time, and the places that shape who we are.
Drawing on the practice of cultural burning, Charcoal reflects on renewal, resilience and the ongoing relationship between people and place. Combining contemporary dance and visual art, this powerful work is an offering to slow down, listen deeply and reflect. It encourages audiences to think about the importance of land, belonging, identity, and consider their own connection to place and the world around them.
As part of creating Charcoal, Keia spent time on Country with family members, including parents and grandparents, whose knowledge, stories and experiences helped shape the performance. These personal connections are woven into the choreography, creating a work that is both deeply personal and relevant to contemporary Australia.
Keia McGrady is a Githabul, Migunberri, Gomeroi contemporary dance artist, story teller from south east Queensland.
Amelia Jean O'Leary is a queer First Nations Gamilaroi and Wadawurrung Yinarr dance artist and storyteller based in Sydney, Australia.
“McGrady is very strongly grounded in her movement, and each dancer has a strong presence within their independence” - Dance Australia (Lesley Graham)
"The performers' intensity and the audio-visual effects add sparks to the atmosphere in the space" - Dance Australia (Lesley Graham)
Performed by:
Keia McGrady - Githabul Migunberri Gomeroi
Amelia Jean O'Leary - Gamilaroi and Wadawurrung Yinarr
Creative Team
Sound Composer: Joshua Santospirito & Waveney Yasso (Yuwi Burra & South Sea Island)
Sound Engineer: Joshua Santospirito
Lighting Designer & AV: Jason James
Original Costume Designer: Noah Johnson
Special thanks to previous collaborators and cultural advisers:
Bridie McGrady Migunberri Githabul
Keiron McGrady Migunberri Githabul Gomeroi
Olivia Adams (Wulli wulli) original cast
Amarina Toby (Githabul, Gaangalu peoples)
D Harding (Bidjara, Ghungalu and Garingbal peoples) supported by visual artist,
Alinta McGrady Migunberri Githabul Gomeroi
Special Effects: Loud sudden noises
Education Bookings
Charcoal has an exclusive performance for schools only.
School Performance: Friday 20 November, 1.00 pm
Duration: 50 mins, no interval + 15 min Q&A after matinee
Tickets: Students & Teachers are Free (Ratio: 1 teacher per 10 students)
More information for teachers is available here.
Dates
Thursday 19 November
7.00 pm - 7.50pm
Tickets
Please note: A Service fee of $3.50 applies to bookings made online and by phone (unless tickets are free of charge). Delivery Fees may also apply.
For general ticketing and box office information (including conditions of sale) see our Ticketing services information page.
For accessibility bookings or other box office inquiries please email bunjilplace@casey.vic.gov.au or phone 03 9709 9700.
ORBIT has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and delivered in partnership by Australian Dance Theatre, Dancehouse and Sydney Dance Company.
Charcoal was originally developed as part of the BlakDance Residency Program, with financial assistance from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland QASP and Access Arts, and additional support from the Brisbane Powerhouse. As Performing Lines TAS’ Aboriginal Arts Mentor for 2023 the further development of Charcoal is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Arts Tasmania’s Aboriginal Arts Program, and Moonah Arts Centre.
