Mystic memory

Ishara Jayawardane

It was an evening where Colombo's affluent socialites gathered. It was an extremely gay and merry gathering of Australians living in Sri Lanka and prominent figures of Colombo society. There were fires burning in the torches and wine flowing. Ashok Ferrey and Vajira Chitrasena were seen in the gathering, Australian High Commissioner Robyn Mudie graced the event.

Everyone was excited to be at the gathering to witness Australian Indigenous Dancer and Choreographer Albert David perform. There was no doubt that these people were having fun, reveling in how good they felt about themselves. Laughter filled the air and the ladies looked very beautiful. While Albert's performance was going on some of them were even standing on the window ledges. There was no doubt that this would be a memory that will not be forgotten.

The Performance started with a resounding cry! Albert David appeared on stage. My goodness, didn't he act savage! Like a powerful panther, he moved about on stage. There was no doubt that he displayed ‘Mana ‘. That he had ‘Mana'. A current moved through the audience. We were looking at something ancient yet something that was almost spiritual. Before recorded time itself these dances had been performed, among aboriginal tribes of Australia in the vast Australian out backs, when the world believed in such magical power! Before the arrival of technology and industrial revolution

“Albert David is a choreographer, dancer and teacher of contemporary dance and jazz. He was born and raised in the Torres Strait Islands of Australia. The Torres Strait Islands is a coastal area, 48 square kilometers . Torres Strait Islands is distinct from mainland aboriginals Australians in origin, identity and culture. No two islands of the Torres Straits are identical and each is shaped by its unique landscape, stories and history. In 1995 Albert joined the world renowned Bangarra Dance theatre. Bangarra is Australia's leading indigenous performing arts organization. It is known for its fusion of contemporary Aboriginal and contemporary western dance movements,” said Australian High Commissioner Robyn Mudie.

Bangarra has received international acclaim for its work. During Albert's time with Bangarra, he performed traditional Torres Strait and Aboriginal dances as well as the company's contemporary productions. “Albert has also performed in the Australian Ballet. After touring internationally with Bangarra and other groups, he pursued a free lance career as a choreographer and dancer. He spent time with various indigenous communities throughout Australia. He is able to draw up on what he learnt from these communities as well as his own Torres Strait Island communities and to teach and choreograph contemporary traditional dance.”

Albert David performs with Abhina Academy dancers. Pictures by Sarath Piries

Australian indigenous dance has reached new heights of international recognition in recent years. This has been spearheaded by the popular success of Bangarra and other groups which has strong links with the 25 year history of the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association from which Albert graduated in 1994.

“The foundation for contemporary indigenous dance is firmly based in an ancient and evolving dance tradition which is part of the spiritual life of Australian indigenous people. It is important however to understand that it is not one tradition. It is many.

And the dancers are as diverse as the nuanced language and regional groups that make up Australian indigenous culture. The Australian High Commission is very pleased to bring Albert David to Sri Lanka at this time. His visit is another opportunity to present to Sri Lankan audiences some of the rich cultural heritage of our indigenous community. Australian indigenous culture is the world’s oldest living culture.”

During his visit to Sri Lanka and his stay in Colombo, Albert David will conduct workshops for dance students from schools and universities to promote greater understanding of Australian indigenous culture.

“He has also been working with the Abhina Academy of Performing Arts. Abhina uses performing arts to heal some of the trauma suffered by all Sri Lankans during the decades of the conflict. During these workshops Albert's visit is also an opportunity for our two countries to strengthen our cultural links and to demonstrate that Australia like Sri Lanka is a land of many cultures and religions.”