The boys are back in town! A 70-minute lightning bolt ran through the space as the five members of the Northern Territory’s refined dance act, Djuki Mala, heated things up with a night of devilish dancing, wild moves, and their uniquely buoyant Yolgnu spirit.
Showing inside performance space The Box ( which is nestled beside a tram bar, outdoor fires, food outlets and bars), this entertainment zone is especially ours to enjoy over the cooler months at St. Kilda’s Winter Garden. Housed in the carpark beside The Palais Theatre, it comes with Spiegeltent, ice skating rink and even a pop-up thrift store.
The crowd at Djuki Mala was utterly enthused, stamping their feet and clapping in wild appreciation, as encouraged by our MC. It reminded me that life in the far north of this country is different to down south, even more so if you are from a remote community, such as in Arnhem Land or Elcho Island. In such places, people, family, and friends are everything and it’s from such communal grounds that these famed ‘chooky dancers’ first emerged, bursting later internationally into YouTube stardom with their ‘Zorba The Greek’ dance reinvention posted online in 2007. (They take their name from their traditional language: Djuki, term for ‘chooky’; Mala – group).
Combining modern dance moves, comedy, youthful vigor and sexy zest, all to a pumping techno beat, this performance description also encapsulates their 10th anniversary season. Yolgnu culture has a tradition of comedy and clowning, which this group whip up par excellence.
Interspersed are traditional dances, with form describing country, laws and ancestry, of family bloodlines and territory, with ochre-on-body and tools as ceremonial props. Dance is a traditional form to communicate law and we are lucky to gain a ‘glimpse’ into corroborees, with animal movement forms, warrior rites and totem honouring.
Projected video interviews with founders, elders, mentors and key dancers, placed this touring troupe in context – as Aboriginal cultural leaders and custodians first, international touring and media showmen second. We learnt of past leaders who inspired the men into creativity and of their ongoing identity as cultural leaders, inspiring their youth through their professional dance careers and practice.
Their technique, physiques, and timing are exceptional. They could be hired by the best dance companies in the world. These guys love being on stage, are earnestly devoted to form, and thrive on audience interaction and give 110%! In skimpy costumes, with everyday props used cheekily (umbrellas, sunglasses, sequinned caps and B-Boyz gear), they heat up Part II by taking us on a dance tour down the musical decades, with hip hop, disco, rap and early funk routines. Michael Jackson’s gloved moves feature, as do 1940s musicals, mid-century U.S. black pop stars, Bollywood dance, Barry White, with a 1990s techno rap cycle that delighted this Gen Xer.
Next stop? The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I hope the Scots are ready for a little bit of north country sunshine by way of vibrant energy that will blast them out of their cold comfort zones. Catch a dose yourself here and be dazzled -these dancers have to be seen to be experienced!
– Sarah
Sarah W. is a dance-trained theatre lover with a flair for the bold and non-traditional performance platforms. On the street or in the box seat, she looks for quality works that push the envelope.
Djuki Mala shows 18–28 July 2017, 7:15pm, Saturday 22, Sunday 23, 2pm (60 mins) at MAP57 in The Box in the St. Kilda Winter Garden. Purchase tickets now.
The venue is accessible by arrangement.
Merchandise selling at these shows supports their upcoming trip to Edinburgh Fringe. Check out Djuki Mala’s website for info on their background, works, and future touring.
See here for other MAP57 events in the St. Kilda Winter Garden, 15 June – 30 July.
