Firestarter (2020), directed by Nel Minchin & Wayne Blair

The story of the Bangarra Dance Theatre is also the story of the three brothers intrinsic to its development – Stephen, David and Russell Page. Founded in Sydney in 1989, Bangarra has been a triumphant success story, culturally, artistically and socially, but at what cost? Stephen Page was appointed artistic director at the age of 24. He has led the way ever since in reconnecting to country and culture and demonstrating this through dance. Grainy home movies and amateur videos show the early days of the Page brothers, their start at NAISDA and the early years of Bangarra. Later interviews and footage demonstrate the amazing talent of the three brothers and the incredible sadness of Russell and David’s paths. The narrative matches the dance company’s history with high and low points of Australia’s modern history, including featuring at the Edinburgh Festival, a US tour, Bicentennial celebrations, the Sydney Olympics, Keating’s Redfern speech and the Howard government’s denialism. The doco is a little slow in parts and could possibly have been edited more tightly. Continuity and hope are demonstrated through Stephen’s tenacity and through his and Russell’s sons, as well as the new generation of Bangarra dancers.