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Thursday, 31 July 2025 performance is an exclusive Community Night event for First Nations Community members. Check out the full season and dates of Illume here.
Overview
Step out of the shadows and into the phenomena of light – the central life force of our planet. From the extraordinary Bangarra Dance Theatre comes an iridescent new theatrical experience, drawing together dance, music and visual arts to explore the ways light has captivated and sustained Indigenous cultural existence for millennia.
Today, artificial light pollution disrupts ecosystems and obscures the dark night sky, devastating First Nations people’s connections to sky country and limiting their ability to share celestial knowledge and skylore. First Nations people stand on the precipice of the world under threat.
Mirning Choreographer Frances Rings and Goolarrgon Bard Visual Artist Darrell Sibosado’s collaboration explores the awe of light, a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. It charts the impacts of light pollution in a climate emergency. Illume asks the urgent question: is the deep wisdom passed down from elders enough to illuminate a path forward from the shadows of a dark future?
Journey with us through a kaleidoscope of images, patterns and synergies into the otherworldly language of light.
Illume is part of Clancestry. Find out more here.
Digital Program [PDF 2MB]
Read the digital program to learn more about the artists and creative process behind Illume.
Cheat Sheet
Review the cheat sheet to understand the people, places and stories of Illume before the performance.
About Community Nights
At QPAC, we value the contributions of First Nations peoples to the arts and strive to enhance their access to arts experiences. As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, we offer Community Nights to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members for selected events.
The Illume Community Night provides First Nations peoples with a way to connect with those who share the rich culture and history that is sewn through Bangarra Dance Theatre’s storytelling.
Sign up to QPAC’s First Nations Community mailing list to receive updates on news, events and exclusive offers.
With the generous support of The Balnaves Foundation, the Community Ticketing initiative provide an accessible means to bring our community together, to celebrate our culture and stories through our world‑class performances and unique form of storytelling.
Community Nights tickets are subject to availability and we kindly request that those who do not meet the eligibility criteria refrain from purchasing tickets to ensure these options remain accessible to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
Extend Your Evening at Illume
Creatives
- Choreography Frances Rings and artists of Bangarra Dance Theatre
- Artistic & Cultural Collaborator Darrell Sibosado
- Set Design Charles Davis
- Costume Design Elizabeth Gadsby
- Lighting Design Damien Cooper
- Composer Brendon Boney
- Cultural Consultant Trevor Sampi
- AV Design Craig Wilkinson
Gallery
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
Inside the Rehearsal Room
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s rehearsals for IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s rehearsals for IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s rehearsals for IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
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Bangarra Dance Theatre’s rehearsals for IllumeImage by Daniel Boud 
Behind the Scenes
From the Newsroom
QPAC's deadly Clancestry festival to celebrate culture, connection, and community
The iconic Clancestry festival is set to ignite the Centre with over two weeks of extraordinary First Nations storytelling, music, dance, art and culture from 23 July to 10 August 2025.
QPAC's Clancestry festival returns this July and August
The annual Clancestry festival, a celebration of First Nations arts and culture across an exciting program of concerts, workshops, theatre and children’s events, returns from 23 Jul to 10 Aug.