CHOREOGRAPHY: Bernadette Walong, Michael Hennessy

The Seed was first presented as a creative development work in Lismore in February 2000, choreographed by resident choreographer Michael Hennessy and Sydney based dance artist Bernadette Walong. The production was re-staged for presentation in Lismore in 2002 and then toured to regional centres in NSW and Sydney.

The Seed's themes centred on a metaphor for our capacity to engender new life derived from the imprint of genetic patterns through the ages. The Seed is also a universal symbol of the life cycle - growth or birth, dormancy, death and regeneration or re-birth. The work indicates a cyclical nature, time and space displacement with reminders of our ancient indigenous heritage. The collaborative nature of the work reflects an understanding of cultural influences within the choreographic process. The Seed is a full-length dance work that was created and produced in regional NSW by professional dance artists. The production is an integrated dance work involving indigenous and non-indigenous choreographers and performers that promotes the notion of interrelatedness, rather than marginalisation or isolation.

The Seed continues NORPA's policy of creating and promoting quality professional arts practice in regional Australia. Since it's inception in 1993, NORPA has helped to create a vibrant dance culture in the Northern
Rivers by presenting leading national and international dance companies and artists.

http://www.norpa.org.au