In her inaugural year as Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, Frances Rings will unveil a brand-new, full-length work called Yuldea, which will have its world premiere at the Sydney Opera House in June, as part of the venue’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, and then tour nationally.

A promotional image for Yuldea, Bangarra Dance Theatre. Photo supplied

Yuldea is a deeply personal work for Rings, inspired by her family’s connection to the area. It tells the story of the Aṉangu people of the Great Victorian Desert, whose traditional life was upended when the industrial revolution hit Yuldea (Ooldea) in South Australia.

Water from Yuldi Kapi, the ancient waterhole at Yuldea, was used during the construction of the Trans-Australian railway extending across the Nullabor. As a result, in 1917, the water ran dry and the Aṉangu people were displaced from their home. Memories of the traditional life and culture from that time can now be found, left behind in the sand.

“Within my family lineage lies the stories of forefathers and mothers who lived...