Entertainment
9 June, 2024
From bonfire to stage lights
FROM a childhood spent on Outback cattle stations to world tours and serendipitous moments in the sun, David Bindi Hudson takes his autobiographical story, From Campfire to Stage Light, on the road in June.
Kicking off with three shows in Cairns, from June 13 to 15, before heading off to 10 Queensland theatres in Caloundra, Townsville, Ipswich, Gladstone, Mackay, Bundaberg, Gold Coast, Redlands and finally Toowoomba, the autobiographical one-man show will inspire a new generation of artists and performers.
After celebrating its world premiere at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in 2022, the critically acclaimed co-production of JUTE Theatre Company and Didge-Ralia, From Campfire to Stage Light, is an engaging performance by master storyteller, David Bindi Hudson, a descendant of the Ewamian-Western Yalanji peoples of the western Far North Queensland region.
It is the story of Mr Hudson’s life, full of culture, music and arts and a message of inspiration and resilience.
The play was written by Mr Hudson with JUTE’s Kathryn Ash and Cindy Hudson.
Known for his star quality and rare combination of talents, Mr Hudson shines – be it as a singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, visual artist, or cultural leader for Indigenous Australia.
In preparing to take his one-man show on the road next month, he said he hoped From Campfire to Stage Light would inspire a new generation of artists.
“I can’t wait to take Queensland audiences on a personal journey grounded in my connection to culture and Country and commitment to intergenerational knowledge sharing,” he said.
“I feel honoured and proud to bring my life’s story to audiences across Queensland, sharing the rich cultural heritage of my people and inspiring others to find strength and pride in their own stories.”
JUTE artistic director and CEO Suellen Maunder said Mr Hudson was an extraordinary performer, and his story was destined to resonate with Queensland audiences as it did in 2022.
“From Campfire to Stage Light is a play about opportunity, hope and how one man’s affinity with culture and the arts can inspire and ignite a whole new generation of storytellers,” she said.
The show is laden with yarns and jewels of Hudson’s life – not the least of which covers his musical art and popularising the didgeridoo and performing in a world tour with Greek composer, Yanni.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.jute.com.au/campfire
