"The Other Side of Me" is a dance duet presented by NT Dance Company, set to grace the stage at The Life Arts Festival, a collaboration between the Shire of Carnarvon and Gwoonwardu Mia. Building upon the success of their previous production, "Waŋa," this new performance delves into the depths of human expression, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the enduring trauma of the Stolen Generations.
Choreographed by the talented Gary Lang, "The Other Side of Me" is the result of a collaborative effort between NT Dance Company and Northumbria University in the UK. Through mesmerizing movement and evocative storytelling, the performance seeks to shed light on the experiences of a young Aboriginal man born in the 1960s in the Northern Territory. Adopted by a white English family and raised in a remote English village, the protagonist grapples with the complexities of his dual heritage and the profound sense of dislocation that accompanies it.
Drawing inspiration from a collection of personal letters and poems, the dance piece invites audiences to journey alongside the protagonist as he navigates the intricate landscapes of his mind and soul. Through his eyes, we witness the challenges of reconciling his English upbringing with his Indigenous roots, as well as the profound impact of historical injustices such as forced adoption and cultural erasure.
With sensitivity and compassion, "The Other Side of Me" prompts viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the intersections of identity, belonging, and systemic oppression. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for self-discovery and acceptance, even in the face of adversity.
This performance promises to be a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a complex and ever-changing world.
Acknowledgements:
The story is based on actual events. However, names, incidents and timelines have been changed for dramatic purposes. All characters depicted in the production are composites or fictitious. Any similarity to the original story, or of fictitious characters to an actual person, living or dead, is coincidental and unintentional.
The Other Side of Me is produced by Gary Lang NT Dance Company with the tour produced by BlakDance. The national tour has received financial assistance from the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
The production is a collaboration between Gary Lang NT Dance Company and Northumbria University, UK. It received financial support through the Northern Territory Government, Regional Arts Australia, the British Council, Creative Australia, Brisbane Festival and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. It premiered in 2023 in Darwin Festival at the Darwin Entertainment Centre.