Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern
The Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern is an Australian non-profit organisation providing cultural and dance programs for Aboriginal Australian, located in the Sydney suburb of Redfern. It was founded in 1979 by Christine Donnelly, who remains executive director as of 2022.
ADTR instigated the founding of the National Aboriginal Dance Council Australia in 1995.
History
The Aboriginal Dance Theatre was founded in 1979 by Christine Donnelly, who remains at the helm as director as of 2022.The idea of the theatre was based in political struggles, in particular the land rights activism of the 1970s. Donnelly had been a participant in the Six Weeks Performing Arts Training Programme held in Redfern. It was originally housed in the National Black Theatre building, and both organisations used theatre as a form of political action.
Donnelly states that her objective in establishing the performing arts and cultural centre was "to bring dance to Aboriginal youth and children by furthering the cultural, social and educational development of Aboriginal people", especially the underprivileged people of Redfern. She is particularly proud of the establishment of the National Aboriginal Dance Council Australia in 1995. In this ADTR was supported by Ausdance National. NADCA was still in existence in 2007, when it was in the process of developing a document on "Cultural Protocols on Aboriginal Dance".
ADTR later moved to 82–88 Renwick Street.
Programs
ADTR used to offer accredited courses in Aboriginal dance and theatre, as well as an outreach program in dance for young people from Sydney, regional New South Wales and beyond. Donnelly has encouraged people to dance in their own styles, whether traditional, contemporary dance, or a fusion of the two.Today, the organisation's work is focused on Aboriginal health and well-being through culture, dance, sports and recreational programs. its programs include programs for children and young people, including cultural awareness, sports, and dance programs that cover many styles of dance ; women's programs ; and cultural programs, which include dance awareness, canoe-making, and a "men's business" group.
ADTR is a registered charitable institution.
Christine Donnelly
Christine Donnelly, née Onus, is granddaughter of activist and showman Bill Onus, a Wiradjuri / Yorta Yorta man. She is the daughter of his daughter Christine. Her other grandfather is of the Darkinjung people of the Hawkesbury River, connected to Sydney Eora clans.Donnelly's daughter Aiyisha is also involved in the performing arts, as well as visual art.