Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Gulidjan and Gadubanud peoples; the Traditional Owners and Elders of the land on which COPACC operates.
We acknowledge their connection to creative practice on these lands and extend our respect to First Nations people throughout our communities.

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You Are Here : Home / COPACC THEATRE SEASON/Na Djinang Circus presents: Arterial

Na Djinang Circus presents: Arterial

Next date: Sunday, 02 June 2024 | 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM

An invigorating and moving performance that celebrates what it means to be First People - the lifeblood of this country.

A moving acrobatic performance linking people, country, and culture, where the unseen bonds between the body and the land become beautifully visible.

This award-winning Na Djinang Circus performance explores the ancient connections tying First Nations people together, strong through bloodlines but irreparably damaged through colonisation. Four performers connect with each other physically and spiritually in a display of breathtaking acrobatics. Arterial will both excite and move you as the performers celebrate what it means to be First People—the lifeblood of this country. The land is its beating heart.

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make you want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, ‘Now More Than Ever’, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must— continue. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us. Together, we must build on the work of the past and create a legacy for the future. Now more than ever, the work continues. In truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling institutionalised inequity. We need connection. We need respect. We need hope. And we need change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
Source: NRW2024 BRAND GUIDELINES

Na Djinang Circus is a Melbourne based contemporary circus company working with diverse young artists to share unique insight with the next generation’s Hands & Feet. Na Djinang Circus aims to develop work that utilises the next generation’s social and political attitudes and tell stories that challenge our own perceived ideas about contemporary Australian society. Their work explores fundamental human characteristics from an indigenous perspective, using the body to demonstrate complex human experiences of trust, connection, vulnerability, and joy.

Na Djinang Circus is known for being a First Nations led company and their art and ethos reflect traditional and contemporary values. They are curious, original and free to make mistakes. They believe as artists they have the power to shape audiences’ opinions and help create change.