Djuki Mala: Infectious, High-Energy Dance Combining Traditional Yolngu And Contemporary Pop Culture – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Garden of Unearthly Delights – The Vagabond, Sat 18 Feb. Following winning the Best Dance Award at the 2015 Adelaide Fringe, Djuki Mala are back in Adelaide bringing their infectious, high-energy dance combining traditional Yolngu and contemporary pop culture. Previously known as the Chooky Dancers, the fellas from North East Arnhem Land rose to fame in 2007 when their YouTube video performing Zorba The Greek was uploaded. The dance was created by Lionel Dulmanawuy as an appreciation to a Greek friend, Liliane, who cared for his sister, Priscilla. An entertaining ‘thank you’ which now has nearly three million views and has seen Djuki Mala performing all around the world. Tonight their show told the story of their rise to fame through projected video interviews, traditional dance and their creative choreography to everything from Bollywood to Michael Jackson to recent pop dance hits. Although the dance was comedic and well-performed, the energy of the overall performance continuously peaks but then falls with the screening of video projections that tends to take away the excitement that the performers have just created, and the long beginning, although informative, could be a little shorter so as not to lose the attention of the audience who are keen to see the dancers. The Djuki Mala video and story is fascinating, but the way the whole show is put together is a bit muddled, although this is difficult to review as I am mindful of the importance of presenting traditional culture and possibly this is the way this show needs to be presented to be respectful to culture and those who were part of the groups formation. For a show in this price bracket, more attention to areas like costuming and sound operation is also warranted. Highlights tonight included, Zorba The Greek and the dance medleys, which allowed each of the five dancers to showcase their individual cheeky or flamboyant quality. As a group, Tibian Cristopher Wyles regularly stands out with his energy and exaggerated expression adding to the infectious liveliness of the dances. A beautiful story with dynamic hilarious dances. 3.5 Stars Bobby Goudie Djuki Mala continues at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – The Vagabond, at various times, until Sun 5 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.