Dhandha / Campfire
BY JOEL BRAY DANCE
PRESENTED BY FED SQUARE AND MELBOURNE FRINGE
Throughout Melbourne Fringe, Fed Square will be home to Dhandha/ Campfire – a public, participatory art experience and meeting place devised and curated by renowned Wiradjuri choreographer Joel Bray. Dhandha will bring the essence of campfire to the heart of the city.
The circle keeps repeating. Dance circles. Bora rings. Song cycles. There is something sacred, ancient and democratic about gathering in a circle.
Dhandha means a campfire in Wiradjuri language. In an age of digital isolation, Dhandha is a radical act of invitation. Come as you are. Move if you want. Laugh with strangers. Learn a daggy disco move. Watch the Joel Bray Dancers coil and spark to the beat of Blackfella DJs.
Come at any hour, bring a friend or a sandwich, smile at a stranger across the glimmering flames. Arrive at sunset and you will be greeted and led through a quiet ritual to usher in dusk. Or join one of our party nights, when the benches become makeshift stages and the dancers flit and stride and writhe to the electronic beat.
One of Australia’s most celebrated choreographers is throwing down a gentle gauntlet. Come try something you’d normally avoid. Work that social muscle. Be silly in front of strangers. You will never be asked to do more than you’re comfortable with, but you might surprise yourself.
Streaming services and dating apps are selling you the mirage of connection. Dhandha is the real thing.
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION
Dhandha / Campfire is open all times of the day and into the night. You are invited to sit and reflect, listen to the soundscape, spend time with a friend or just soak up the atmosphere.
A sunset ritual is held daily. Please see the schedule for the timing of these, as they change with the sunset time. There is limited seating available, so arrive early.
