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19 December, 2022
Stephen Page is a creative icon. As our Artistic Director of over 30 years, his vision and tenacity have created one of the most prominent and successful Indigenous performing arts companies in Australia. Stephen’s exceptional contribution to First Nations arts and the national cultural landscape will be felt for generations to come.
During his tenure, Stephen has changed the performing arts ecology across Australia and, through his work with the company, has collaborated with First Nations communities and creatives to bring cultural stories to life on the stage. Stephen has developed a culturally centred practice where he has not only given space and recognition to his collaborating partners, but he also gives back to the communities he has worked with through deep cultural exchange.
Importantly, through his role at Bangarra, Stephen has mentored and nurtured several waves of First Nations dancers and choreographers, including Frances Rings, Sidney Saltner, Daniel Riley, Djakapurra Munyarryun, Yolande Brown, Elma Kris, Patrick Thaiday and Ella Havelka. While Stephen has himself choreographed over 25 works to date, he has made room for the development of other choreographers, sharing the stage, and developing talent and capacity within the sector.
As a creative force and practitioner, Stephen has been prolific in dance, but he has extended his cultural impact well beyond that artform. Stephen directed the feature length film, Spear, and the short film Sand within the feature film, The Turning and he has choreographed for the films Bran Nue Dae and The Sapphires.
Stephen’s work with Bangarra alone makes him worthy of the Red Ochre award, which he received in 2022. But he has done so much more. Stephen has been the creative force at several important moments when the international spotlight was on Australia. Directing the Indigenous sections for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies and creating a dance work as part of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, Stephen staged powerful and authentic cultural moments that showcased First Nations cultures to the nation and the world. This has built on the work he has done touring Bangarra internationally, raising global awareness of the complexities, diversity, and wisdom of contemporary First Nations cultures.
Stephen has been an agent of change in the First Nations cultural landscape. As he moves from the helm of Bangarra to the next phase of his creative journey, he leaves an unparalleled legacy. His spirit will always be a part of this world-class company. His body of work, his leadership, and his legacy of putting First Nations culture on the global stage is a significant and unique contribution.
Statement by Larissa Behrendt, Distinguished Professor, Bangarra Chair (2010-2014)
Photo: SandSong 2021, by Daniel Boud.