Gapu Ŋupan (Chasing the Rainbow)
A Melbourne theatrical experience as reviewed by Alex First
The evolution of the First Peoples of Australia and Taiwan is the focus of Gapu Ŋupan Photo by Michael Pham
What was it that first divided the world?
Could the answer to that question be attributed to the parable as outlined in the Book of Genesis, whereby people simply couldn’t understand each other?
I ask because while sitting, watching Gapu Ŋupan unfold, I thought how nice it would be if the world’s 8.2 billion inhabitants, of all races and religions, just got along.
Here we have two origin stories … two distinct groups that find common ground and build a deep spiritual and cultural connection.
Through chant, music, dance and visual imagery, we witness the evolution of the First Peoples of Australia and Taiwan.
First one, then the other, until we get a meeting of minds, the exchanging of ideas and mutual respect.
Wow. Revolutionary. Maybe? Achievable? Pie in the sky? Perhaps, but in this increasingly divided world, one can still live in hope.
Gapu Ŋupan reimagines the journey of warriors and takes ultimate pride in culture.
Video imagery of the water, the land, the mountains and the sky appear as a visual tapestry, with totems too.
In front and behind three lightweight screens, which form a collective, the action takes place.
In various formations, up to nine performers – including those from Bangarra Dance Theatre and Yothu Yindi – appear, charting their path.
The voices, rituals and look of the two “tribes” are different and yet no less profound.
Much care and attention are put into the fine detail, into the make-up and intricate, handmade costuming.
The 65-minute work is the result of five years of cross-cultural collaboration.
It is an uplifting and inspiring production, which says to me that we can all learn to be better, more respectful and more inclusive.
Most of all, we can learn from one another, combining the best of what each has to offer to forge a better and more positive way forward.
Co-artistic director and composer of Gapu Ŋupan, Suming Rupi is founder of Taiwan’s largest Indigenous music festival.
Co-artistic director and choreographer Rachael Wallis is a former member of Bangarra Dance Theatre and Artistic Director of Miku Performing Arts.
What they have crafted breaks down barriers and opens the world of possibility.
Gapu Ŋupan is one of the centrepieces of Asia Topa, which runs until 10th March, 2025.
For more information about what is in the festival, go to https://www.asiatopa.com.au
