Bran Nue Dae
The classic Australian musical is back for a 30th anniversary tour
THE WORLD’S FIRST Aboriginal musical, Bran Nue Dae was written by Jimmy Chi, debuted to ecstatic reviews in 1990 and quickly became a hit with audiences who were taken on a ride back in time to Broome in the late ’60s. Following runaway teenager Willie Johnson, who flees his Catholic boarding school, the show takes a close look at issues affecting Aboriginal people and communities. It’s a story told with humour, irony and ultimately a strong sense of resilience. This new production sees one of Australia’s “National Living Treasures”, Ernie Dingo, reprising the role of Uncle Tadpole. He played the part in both the original stage production and the 2009 film. Joining Dingo on stage is a cast of relative newcomers, including rising star Marcus Corowa ( Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Secret River) who will take on the role of Willie. “I actually went in to audition for the role of Uncle Tadpole,” he says. “But then they started throwing the role of Willie at me. I learnt it on the fly and I went back in the room and did my thing, and I remember walking away thinking, ‘Oh, that was a bit weird.’” It wasn’t so weird for the casting directors, who thought Corowa fit the bill and gave him the role, to his surprise. Corowa says that his own upbringing is helping him connect with the role and immerse himself in Willie’s journey. “I think I can relate to this particular character and also the town in which [ Bran Nue Dae] is based, coming from Bowen, a small town on the east coast… Bowen has the old-school look, even the old theatre with the hessian bags, the mango trees and that tropical climate.” Corowa says he’s excited to introduce the show to new audiences. “Bran Nue Dae is really well loved with our mob. It still touches on very relevant things that our mob are going through today.” ■ Emily Nicol à Riverside Theatres,
Cnr Church & Market Sts, Parramatta 2150. 02 8880 9214. sydneyfestival.org.au. $59.90-$99.90. Jan 16-Feb 1.
“Bran Nue Dae touches on things our mob are going through today”