River, the result of a successful Street Theatre development that began two years ago, is a multi-arts production featuring dance, sculpture and live music.

Dancer Albert David says, ''It's like a contemporary ceremony. Through song and dance, we have been given the hands to heal this land.''

David, who originates from Turtlehead Island in the Torres Strait, says River contains a simple message: ''We have to stop killing Mother Earth.''

Mirramu artistic director Elizabeth Cameron Dalman researched the dying Murray-Darling basin as inspiration for the work, which is a mixture of traditional and contemporary choreography. Cellist David Pereira plays a live score as the dancers move around a set featuring sculptures by Christine Simpson.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times