This year’s 2020 NRL Indigenous Round at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium featured pre-match performances by Brisbane’s two leading Indigenous dance troupes — including Kutaw Zoeru, who are managed by Bamaga Productions.

Kutaw Zoeru, an internationally-recognised Brisbane-based troupe of dancers from Boigu Island in the Torres Strait, performed traditional song and dances representing their cultural stories. They performed alongside the also-internationally-acclaimed Aboriginal dance troupe, Nunukul Yuggera.

The short performances demonstrated the distinct cultural differences between the two peoples.

“Many people think of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as a single culture but there are distinct differences,” said Nancy Bamaga, Managing Director and Executive Producer of Bamaga Productions, herself a Torres Strait Islander woman.

“The Aboriginal peoples have hundreds of different clans and the stories, songs and dances of each troupe are unique to them. The Torres Strait Islander cultures reflect our heritage as an island nation of saltwater people. With Kutaw Zoeru you see the brightly coloured dress, the grass skirts, and feathered headgear. You also hear the traditional island drums and songs which create a sound unlike mainland Aboriginal dance troupes. Seeing the two side by side is sometimes very surprising for non-Indigenous people.”

This year’s Indigenous Round coincided with National Reconciliation Week. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Kutaw Zoeru and Nunukul Yuggera Dance Company are professional troupes available to perform and appear at sporting events, corporate events, festivals and other occasions.

Contact Bamaga Productions for details.

Pictured: Kutaw Zoeru perform at Suncorp Stadium.