Between sea and sky lies a sacred space—where light is reborn and the spirit guides us home. The Light Inside embodies this journey, honouring the connection between ancestors, land, and culture.

For Bangarra Dance Theatre, The Light Inside marks a historic moment—the company's first-ever cross-cultural collaboration.

It brings together the creative visions of Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson and Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown, weaving two powerful First Nations perspectives into a single performance.

Among the dancers bringing this vision to life is Donta Whitham, a performer of South Sea Islander and Sri Lankan heritage.

For him, The Light Inside is more than just movement—it is a deeply personal exploration of cultural resilience and connection.

"Both works share this idea of not letting go of the light, even amongst the strong currents of the world," Mr Whitham said.

"This light would be the knowledge, the wisdom, and the love we have for our cultures and elders, because this obviously forms the bones of our identity as First Nations people."

Spanning the Oceania region, The Light Inside explores the deep spiritual ties between land, water, and sky—forces that shape First Nations identities across Australia, the Torres Strait, and Aotearoa.

Ms Brown's section draws from her Meriam and Wakaid Clan heritage, deeply rooted in the waters of the Torres Strait, while Mr Patterson's choreography carries the spirit of his Ngāti Tūwharetoa people, shaped by the landscapes of Aotearoa.

Although their creative approaches are distinct, both choreographers share a unifying vision—to celebrate ancestral knowledge, kinship, and cultural resilience.

"Deb's work was created through us—it was kind of shaped from the way we moved, how we naturally embodied the story," Mr Whitham said.

"Moss's section, on the other hand, was built around motifs and images from his childhood, his village, and the cultural stories he grew up with.

"Both sections have their own distinct energy, but they come together over this shared idea of holding onto the light—the wisdom, strength, and resilience of our cultures."

The themes of The Light Inside feel deeply personal for Mr Whitham, who only joined Bangarra last year.

"I definitely feel that connection with my South Sea Islander heritage," he said.

"I grew up surrounded by water, and I find it very meditative, very comforting, and healing."

Among the show's many powerful moments, one in particular stands out to Mr Whitham.

"There's a solo from Daniel Mateo at the very start of the show. He's upstage in silhouette, and you're just watching this spirit move so angelically," he said.

"With the music, you just feel it—you feel what the message is, you feel that spirit, and you understand what the whole show is about."

After its acclaimed 2024 premiere as part of Horizon, The Light Inside embarks on Bangarra's 2025 Regional Tour, bringing its story to Wollongong, Newcastle, Adelaide, Bendigo, Geelong, Wangaratta, and Ballarat.

Touring is more than just performing—it's about ensuring these cultural stories reach new audiences, especially those who may not have had the opportunity to experience Bangarra's work before.

"There's something special about sharing this story with different communities and seeing how people connect to it in their own way," Mr Whitham said.

"Hearing how audiences interpret the movement and what they take away from it is always an eye-opening experience."

As part of the tour, Bangarra will also run regional workshops, giving students and community members a chance to engage with the movement and themes of the production.

For Mr Whitham, the ability to share this work with diverse communities—especially First Nations audiences—is deeply rewarding.

"Performing for mob is different—it's a comforting feeling," he said.

"I know that it's going to be received in the way I intend, because there's already that understanding."

At its core, The Light Inside is a tribute to the strength and continuity of First Nations cultures—a reminder that, no matter how strong the currents of the world may be, the spirit—the light inside—remains.

"At Bangarra, we understand the respect and duty of care we have in carrying these stories," Mr Whitham said.

"That's what motivates us—it's literally why we do what we do."

The Light inside will showcase 13 – 15 February evenings at the IMB Theatre – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre.