The East-West Center Gallery is currently presenting an exhibition of accoutrements from the dynamic dance traditions of the Torres Strait Islands (TSI), located in the body of water that separates the northern tip of the Australian and the nation of Papua New Guinea. Titled "'Dance Machines' from the Torres Strait Islands," the touring exhibition from Gab Titui Cultural Centre on the TSI's Thursday Island will be on display at the gallery through Jan. 3, with a gala opening reception this Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m.

Also featured will be a special free performance of Torres Strait Islands Dance and Music by the Ariw Poenipan Cultural Group, Saturday, Nov. 14, 8-9:15 p.m. at the East-west Center's Imin Center-Jefferson Hall.

Traditional dance is one of the major forms of creative expression in the Torres Strait Islands. This exhibit, guest-curated by Gab Titui Cultural Centre Assistant Manager Robyn Fernandez, features striking traditional and contemporary dance accoutrements, or "dance machines," including hand-held mechanical objects and elaborate moving headdresses known as Zamiyakal in one of the TSI languages. Also included are masks, headdresses, drums, and other dance apparatus, along with video and photography that provide context for appreciating this unique indigenous art form.

Fourteen members of TSI-based Ariw Poenipan Cultural Group community group are serving as EWC Artists-in-Residence, and will present concerts and educational outreach on O'ahu and Moloka'i. The group's name, Ariw Poenipan, refers to the electrifying lightning that pierces the rain, and the echoing thunder of the monsoon season. The group, led by Jeff Aniba-Waia, focuses primarily on the traditions of Saibai Island. Ariw Poenipan is noted within the TSI for its authenticity, and has toured and performed extensively throughout the Pacific.

This exhibition and residency is generously supported by the Torres Strait Regional Authority.

About the Torres Straits Islands

There are more than 200 islands scattered throughout the Torres Strait, of which 17 are inhabited. The total population is approximately 8,000 people, the majority of whom are the indigenous peoples of the islands. They are Melanesians, historically and culturally connected to the coastal peoples of Papua New Guinea. The Torres Strait is 150 kilometers across and joins the Coral Sea to the east with the Arafura Sea to the West.

Each clan and each island group has its own unique performance styles passed down from generation to generation. In addition, each dance group continues its array of unique dance machines, musical instruments, costumes and repertoire. Language, songs, instruments and costumes, as well as the dance machines all combine to form a TSI performance tradition unique in the world.

About Gab Titui Cultural Centre

Gab Titui Cultural Centre is the Torres Strait's first "keeping place" for historical artifacts and contemporary indigenous art. Established in 2004, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre is governed by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA); services 20 communities; and supports more than 70 artists across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia.

The name Gab Titui, was recommended by the late Mr. Ephraim Bani, who was a renowned cultural advisor and linguist for the region. Gab means journey in the eastern island group dialect and Titui, from the western islands group language, means stars; thus: Journey of the Stars.

The center has a gallery shop that provides an ethical outlet for Torres Strait artists to sell their work. Sales made through Gab Titui create economic opportunities for local indigenous artists, as well as supporting the operations of the center.

FOR MORE DETAILED BACKGROUND INFORMATION on the exhibition and Torres Strait Island dance traditions, download a pdf brochure at:

http://arts.eastwestcenter.org/pdfs/TorresHandoutHR.pdf

Special Events:

All in the EWC Gallery unless otherwise noted; admission free

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2 -3:30 p.m.

A Gala Opening

Gala opening reception, including a performance-demonstration by Ariw Poenipan Cultural Group, featured EWC artists-in-residence.

Monday, Nov. 9, noon-1 p.m.

Gallery talk by Robyn Fernandez and Aven Noah: "Gab Titui Cultural Centre: Mediating Between an Arts and Cultural Centre and the Indigenous Community."

Saturday, Nov. 14, 9:15 p.m.

Free Torres Strait Islands dance and music performance by the Ariw Poenipan Cultural Group. (See information above.)

Sunday, Dec. 6, 1:30-4p.m.

Video: Episodes 1-3 of "RAN," an Australian television miniseries that was the first major production focusing on the remote Torres Strait islanders.

Sunday, Dec. 13, 1:30-p.m.

Video showing: Episodes 4-6 of "RAN," an Australian television miniseries that was the first major production focusing on the remote Torres Strait islanders.

Gallery info:

East-West Center Gallery

John A. Burns Hall, 1601 East-West Road

(corner Dole St. & East-West Rd.)

Gallery hours: Weekdays: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sundays Noon-4:00 p.m.

Closed Saturdays and holidays

For further information: 944-7584

http://arts.EastWestCenter.org

The East-West Center is an education and research organization established by the U.S. Congress in 1960 to strengthen relations and understanding among the peoples and nations of Asia, the Pacific, and the United States. The Center contributes to a peaceful, prosperous, and just Asia Pacific community by serving as a vigorous hub for cooperative research, education, and dialogue on critical issues of common concern to the Asia Pacific region and the United States. Funding for the Center comes from the U.S. government, with additional support provided by private agencies, individuals, foundations, corporations, and the governments of the region.

For 25 years the EWC Arts Program has enriched the community through concerts, lectures, symposia, and exhibitions focusing on traditional arts of the region, and by arranged cultural and educational tours by artists who are skilled in bridging cultures.