And the Full Spectrum of Emotion in Emily Wurramara’s Magic Woman Dancing
A review of Wurramara’s new music video by George Coles (She | Her) – Wonnarua
After much anticipation, Emily Wurramara has released a new music video, and it doesn’t disappoint! Magic Woman Dancing, from Wurramara’s upcoming second studio album, combines hauntingly beautiful imagery with hypnotizing vocals; taking us on a journey through the chilling lens of a “divine vessel”. As always, her work resonates with us on a personal level, but I find my mind constantly going back to the visuals that brought this story to screen.
Directed by Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore, the music video dances between the perspective relationship of perception vs presence of character within space. ‘Perception’ being us, as the audience, perceiving the performers as they engage in the environment, vs ‘Presence’, when the performer breaks the fourth wall, connecting with us in a silent plea, or show of solidarity. This change in perspective, both in the video and reflected in the song, leads us through a journey of the corrupting nature of our thoughts, and the freedom found in expression. Largely supported by the enchanting performances of Gabriel Comerford, Kai Mason, Angela Wurramara and Emily Wurramara, this piece left me with the feeling that even when drawing back the curtains, the shadows will remain.
Images of sand falling from Comerford’s hand, the brush of moss against their feet, and the grass caressing against their legs, creates a push and pull between the character and the land; flowing together in a continuous embrace, even within their isolation. Comerford holds the audience’s attention in an absolutely mesmerizing performance, and their portrayal of this relationship with the land brought a voice to Country that I love to see. It’s no wonder why they chose to film on Lutruwita (Tasmania), the lands of the Palawa people, and where Wurramara calls home. Through a First Nations perspective, magic and connection with Country has deep roots within our cultural belief systems; the substantial presence of which I believe Sangiorgi Dalimore captured beautifully.
At the core of this piece is the layered meanings behind the song. The sentiments of leaving a “bitter taste” and feeling “salty” are in stark contrast to verses of admiration of a “divine vessel”; of a strong and independent woman who is both flawed but lovely. The lyrics behind Magic Woman Dancing speaks of the importance of acknowledging the full spectrum of our emotions – and the beauty in that. All of which showcase the continuous growth within Wurramara’s craft as a storyteller.
The collaborative efforts of the immersive cinematography, the organic choreography, and the balance found between the natural world and the mythical, speak volumes of the dedication and passion each person involved shared in giving life to this story. Emily Wurramara has hinted at more to come, and we eagerly await for what she has in store for us!
