Baleen Moondjan is a contemporary ceremony from creative visionary Stephen Page, his first major commission since leaving Bangarra Dance Theatre that premiered at the 2024 Adelaide Festival.
Inspired by a story from Stephen’s grandmother from the Ngugi/Nunukul/Moondjan people of Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), Baleen Moondjan celebrates First Nations’ relationships between baleen whales and communities’ totemic systems. The signature elements that have defined Stephen Page’s career are all present in this work with dramatic storytelling, striking choreography and haunting live music integrated into a stunningly designed world from Jacob Nash.
Set outdoors amongst giant whale bones on the sandy shores of a 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.
Director & Co-writer Stephen Page
Co-writer Alana Valentine
Set Design Jacob Nash
Composer & Sound Designer Steve Francis
Costume Design Jennifer Irwin
Lighting Design Damien Cooper
Musical Director Paul Mac
Language Consultant Donna Page
Assistant Director Beau Dean Riley Smith
★★★★★ “A performance that is epic in scale yet tightly focused on the resilience of the land and its people, and the threats to their very existence. It’s a cracker.” – The Adelaide Advertiser
“One of those performances that will stick in a lifetime of memories – and it’s an important tale to witness” – InReview
“A joy and a privilege to behold” – Limelight
“The experience left me with a sense of profound respect, of awe, at the mastery of the theatrical medium which enabled it to be used to transmit this timeless story” – Australian Stage
“Masterfully blending music, dance, movement, song and text with powerful performances”
– The Conversation