All-dancing Aboriginal and Islander fun

Gammon Old Yarns
By Naroo Dance Company

Review by Brendan Doyle

"Naroo", meaning "shake a leg", is an Aboriginal dance style from north Queensland. Naroo are a performing troupe who present traditional and contemporary dance and theatre, using both Aboriginal and Islander performers. The troupe was formed in 1993 and have performed around Australia and overseas.

Gammon Old Yarns is a very funny look at the formation of a dance company, especially the audition sequence, where hopefuls come from the bush to try their luck in the city, with hilarious results. This is a laid-back style of theatre, with much improvisation, that makes the audience feel you're getting to know the individuals behind the performers.

The fancy dress party sequence, in which the dancers imitate their favourite "stars of the '80s" is also a scream, but equally shows the outstanding skills of the troupe. All this is a great warm-up for the second part of the show, which consists of traditional dances, all done with tremendous energy and humour.

After an all too short season in Sydney, Naroo will be performing in Canberra at the National Folk Festival from March 27 to 31. Next time they're in your town, I recommend you go to see this hugely talented and entertaining troupe.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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