Tracker

In one of his first works as Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre, Wiradjuri director-choreographer Daniel Riley evokes an immensely powerful and personal story of his Great-Great Uncle, Alec “Tracker” Riley.

Alec, a Wiradjuri Elder and tracker, served the New South Wales Police Force for 40 years, leading numerous high-profile cases. As an Elder of his community he forged a path between the enforced colonial system in which he worked and his Wiradjuri lore. Tracker takes inspiration from his legacy and examines the battles First Nations people have shared for generations.

Weaving together dance, music and text, Tracker invites the audience into an open and transformative ceremonial space. This remarkable story is brought to life by a team of celebrated First Nations creatives, including award-winning playwright Ursula Yovich (Man With the Iron Neck, SF2019), co-director Rachael Maza AM (Black Ties, SF2020), composers James Henry and Gary Watling, visual artist Jonathan Jones, lighting designer Chloe Ogilvie and an all-First Nations cast.

Culturally rich and ambitiously original, this multidisciplinary work rethinks how we engage with and experience First Nations storytelling.

This project was initiated by Daniel Riley and commissioned by ILBIJERRI Theatre Company. Produced by Bureau of Works and Australian Dance Theatre.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by Sydney Festival, Perth Festival, Adelaide Festival, Rising and Brisbane Festival.

Tracker has also been supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund; the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria; the City of Melbourne through Arts House; Besen Family Foundation; Dubbo Regional Council; Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre; Annamila Foundation; and the University of Melbourne’s Indigenous Knowledge Institute.