Born in Brisbane, Stephen Page is a descendant of the Nunukul people and the Munaldjali clan of the Yugambeh tribe from southeast Queensland.
In 1991, Stephen was appointed Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre. He has created a signature body of dance theatre productions for Bangarra.
Under his leadership, Bangarra has built a strong reputation touring throughout Australia and the world, including New York, Washington, Paris, London and Germany. Memorable works Ochres, Skin (‘Best New Australian Work’ and ‘Best Dance Work’, 2001 Helpmann Awards), Bush (‘Best Dance Work’, 2004 Helpmann Awards), Mathinna (‘Best Dance Work’ and ‘Best Choreography’, 2009 Helpmann Awards) have become milestones in Australian performing arts.
For The Australian Ballet, Stephen has choreographed Rites to Stravinsky’s score incorporating dancers from Bangarra and he directed Indigenous sections for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies. As Artistic Director of the 2004 Adelaide Festival of the Arts, Stephen was praised for reinvigorating the event with an impressive and highly successful world-class program.
Stephen’s film and theatre credits include the contemporary operatic film Black River, numerous music video clips, directing his brother David Page in the highly acclaimed Page 8 which toured Australia and the UK and choreography for the feature film Bran Nue Dae.
Significantly, in 2008 Stephen was named NSW Australian of the Year in recognition of his efforts to bring cultures together through the performing arts and his commitment to developing the next generation of Indigenous storytellers by mentoring emerging artists.
Bangarra celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009 with Fire – A Retrospective presenting the signature works of Bangarra’s repertoire. For this celebration Stephen invited over one hundred artists who had worked with Bangarra, including the founders of the company, to a special performance of Fire – A Retrospective at the Sydney Opera House.
Stephen received the 2010 Helpmann Award for ‘Best Choreography’ for Fire – A Retrospective and a further two awards for the company; Best Ballet/Dance Work for Fire and Best Regional Touring Production for True Stories.
Stephen was honoured at the Australian Dance Awards for his Services to Dance and also accepted Outstanding Performance by a Company for Fire.
Sandi Sieger chatted to Stephen, ahead of the upcoming Blak national tour.
You began your professional dance career with the Sydney Dance Company in 1985. What drew you into the world of dance?
Coming from a big family, telling stories and performing was a big part of my upbringing. Especially back-yard performances.
You’re the Artistic Director for Bangarra Dance Theatre. What does your role involve?
Being honest in my leadership. Being a caretaker of our stories. Keeping our foundation strong. Feeding the growth of all our creative cultural initiatives.
You’re incredibly accomplished – do you have a career highlight or special moment you can share?
The Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony – Directing/Choreographing Awakening, the Indigenous segment. It was about the sustainability of our existence.
You’ve been with Bangarra since 1991. Is it like an extended family for you?
Yes. A contemporary, creative, cultural clan.
You choreographed for The Sapphires. What was it like working on a feature film, and how have you felt seeing how successful the film has become?
It was great fun. I’m incredibly proud. It’s a black story from a black perspective. Brilliant!
What can we expect from the upcoming national tour, Blak?
Bangarra is going back to Dance Theatre – opposing Indigenous issues and telling dance stories from our dancers personal perception – with an edgy electronic soundscape.
Thanks for your time, Stephen.
