Opening night of Vivid Sydney 2022 launches with First Light, a powerful acknowledgement and celebration of our First Nations culture shaped by Creative...

First Light

Location:

Circular Quay
2000 NSW
Australia

First Light
First Light

Featuring

Deon Hastie

Deon Hastie

Choreographer - NAISDA

Deon is the current Head of Dance at NAISDA Dance College. He is a descendant of the Djabugay people of Far North Queensland. He graduated from NAISDA in 1998 and has worked in the arts sector as a professional dancer, independent choreographer, artistic director, teacher and mentor.

Rhoda Roberts AO

Rhoda Roberts AO

Creative Advisor

A Widjabul /Wia:bal woman from the Bundjalung territories Rhoda is an experienced motivated and versatile arts executive, with a diverse range of international and national industry practice within commercial, community and non-profit organisations, festivals and events. The former Head Of First Nations Programming Sydney Opera House, Rhoda is currently the Curator: Parrtjima Festival, Alice Springs, Festival Director, Boomerang Dreaming Festival, the First Nations Creative Director for the Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA), First Nations Consultant NIDA , The Elder in Residence SBS TV   and she is the Senior Creative Advisor -Welcome to Country. 

A practicing weaver and as an actor/producer and director, she continues to work as a consultant, is a sought-after speaker and performer in theatre, film, television, and radio. 
 

Event Details

Opening night of Vivid Sydney 2022 launches with First Light, a powerful acknowledgement and celebration of our First Nations culture shaped by Creative Advisor Rhoda Roberts AO. This poignant and memorable beginning to Vivid Sydney runs from 5:40pm until Lights On at 6pm in Campbells Cove. The Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons form a stunning backdrop, illuminated by Sharing the Same Life Essence, which celebrates the Gadigal people and Country.

Inspired by our First Nations people and the first harnessable source of light and warmth – fire – this spectacular and memorable event includes a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, and an especially designed performance by NAISDA dancers choreographed by Deon Hastie.

At First Light, we respect and reflect before moving from firelight to Lights On.

First Light will be shown on screens throughout the Light Walk each night of the festival as an Acknowledgement of Country.

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