Djuki Mala, Opening Night
The Factory at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
Date: Monday March 5, 2018
Out on a Monday night. What?! I know. And there was dancing. Lots of dancing. Mum’s gone wild! But for a very good reason, to see multi-award winning Djuki Mala – and it was excellent.
Direct from Elcho Island in North East Arnhem Land, Djuki Mala is an Indigenous dance sensation, which fuses traditional Yolngu and contemporary pop dance. The audience is pushed and pulled between past and present, being told a cultural story through dance, which had everyone crying and laughing all at once. A multimedia backdrop links the elements of their journey together, from north of Australia to the world’s stage.
The five cast members are engaging, spirited and very, very funny. The traditional dance elements were absolutely memorising. They perform to a unique play list including Greek dance, musical theatre, Michael Jackson & 90’s pop. But it works. Big time. And when mixed together, it results in a huge explosion of energy; sixty minutes of pure infectious joy.
At party’s end, we all give a big standing ovation and a little happy dance as we enter back into the unearthly garden, which delivered an absolute gem and delight.
The reviews are right. It is the must see show of the Fringe.
By Kate Younie
@big_little_words
Season runs Monday 5th – 18th March.
Website: djukimala.com
Instagram: @djuki_mala
Facebook: djukimalaoffical