Russell Page (1968–2002), choreographer, dancer and actor, was from the Nunukul (Noonuccal) people and the Munaldjali clan of the Yugambeh people of south-east Queensland. Formerly a talented rugby league player, at sixteen he moved to Sydney to study at the Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre. Overcoming his initial rebellion at the discipline of dance, he quickly became 'pure spirit' in performance, equally breathtaking as an earth-bound or aerial dancer. With brothers Stephen, an artistic director, and David, a composer, he co-founded the Bangarra Dance Theatre, and was its principal artist from 1991. He also appeared on film and television, including a role in Tracey Moffatt's Bedevil. The Bangarra production Walkabout received ecstatic reviews from critics, with Russell's solo singled out for special praise. He died in July 2002, leaving his family, his three children, and Australian art, dance and Aboriginal communities mourning an irreplaceable loss.
Moffatt took this photograph when Page was with the Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre in Sydney. The image shows his intense physicality and natural grace. It is part of a series of five black-and-white photographs depicting Russell and his brother Stephen, Some Lads, which featured in the NADOC 86 Exhibition of Aboriginal and Islander Photographers.
Gift of the artist 1998. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
© Tracey Moffatt
Courtesy of the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney.
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