The Beginning of Nature features nine dancers from the Australian Dance Theatre company – the majority male – each from different ethnic backgrounds.

It also features live singing in the language of Kaurna of the Adelaide plains. The Indigenous dialect was all but extinct 20 years ago, has since been revived and now taught in schools and at university.

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The production – originally performed in a botanic garden – involves contortion and illusions of the body, with a “futuristic feel” for the stage.

“There are images within the piece about growth and decay, swarming and flocking,” said associate artistic director Sarah-Jayne Howard.

“Often in Western culture we see ourselves as separate from nature rather than being part of its very self.”

The Beginning of Nature is a visual feast inspired by the rhythms in nature, and will run at IPAC until June 30. Ticketing details are at: www.merrigong.com.au 

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