Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra (2021)

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the illustrious Bangarra Dance Theatre, Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra is a stirring exploration of the birth and breathtaking evolution of a cultural titan. This compelling journey delves deep into the life of three young Aboriginal brothers - Stephen, David, and Russell Page. Gifted with vision and resolve, they transformed the nascent dance group into a beacon of First Nations culture, illuminating the world stage with their indomitable spirit. The film offers an intimate look through the lens of the charismatic Stephen Page, the theatre's tenacious artistic director, whose tireless dedication has been instrumental in shaping Bangarra's narrative. The story of Bangarra is not solely one of triumph; it is equally a tale of heartbreak, struggle, and empowerment, punctuated by the rhythmic cadence of Indigenous dance. Firestarter is a testament to the profound power of art as a conduit for social change and healing, threading together the narrative of Bangarra's founding roots and their journey through the tumultuous waters of cultural loss and reclamation. It shines a light on the heavy mantle of intergenerational trauma borne by the Page brothers, as well as their relentless pursuit of cultural resurgence through their craft. Coalescing pride, adversity, and the raw power of artistic expression, Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra paints a vivid image of resilience. It is a rousing tribute to the legacy of a cultural powerhouse, and an impassioned call to embrace the transformative power of dance.

Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra is a documentary movie featuring Stephen Page and directed by Wayne Blair.

Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.