FROM CAMPFIRE TO STAGE LIGHT
by David Bindi Hudson, with Kathryn Ash and Cindy Hudson
SYNOPSIS
From Campfire to Stage Light is an epic journey toward self-determination and Indigenous pride, as told through the life experience of David Bindi Hudson, well-known and loved cultural leader and global ambassador for Indigenous Australia.
David is the ultimate storyteller, singer-songwriter, dancer, visual artist and actor and the performance is brought to life through storytelling, songs, and extraordinary visual design.
The stories take us from David’s traditional lands to the international mega stages as David traversed the world musically, educating people about his culture. He co-founded the award-winning dance troupe ‘Tjapukai’, whose achievements include being Australia’s longest-running theatrical production. David has emerged as a strong cultural leader with a significant arts practice.
This play, directed by nationally recognised First Nations Director, Isaac Drandic, with music and lyrics by Nereace, Nigel Pegrum and David Bindi Hudson, will take the audience on a culturally rich journey of Far North Queensland and the world.
CAST
David Bindi Hudson
Nereace
Nigel Pegrum
(more details below)
GENRE
First Nations Story Telling, Musical Drama with an original score.
AUDIENCE WARNING
Theatrical haze
Contains voices and images of deceased people
RUNNING TIME
Approximately 1 hr 15 minutes
AUDIENCE INFORMATION
Rated PG: Educational use of historical topics
Theatrical smoke may be used.
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM PAGE INDEX
PLAYWRIGHTS
David Bindi Hudson
Dr. David Hudson is an internationally renowned musician, artist and entertainer, and a proud Western Yalanji/Ewamin man of North Queenslandd. His work comprises a combination of contemporary and traditional Aboriginal influences. He is stepped in oral tradition of yarning, story-telling and cultural knowledge- and this is the basis of his ‘writing’ class Co-founder of Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park in 1987 and Creative and General Manager 2008-2012.
David brings a wealth of knowledge along with his many talents. David demonstrates important cultural connection which is required to provide appropriate engagement and consultation throughout community. He currently holds position as a QTIC Champion (Qld Tourism Industry Council) Chairman of FPAC (First People’s Advisory Board) – Cairns Regional Council Past Chairman of Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation.
As well as a highly accomplished guitarist, David is regarded as a leader and inspiration with his traditional instrument the didgeridoo providing innovation and a global following throughout his career. He would like to encourage and empower his people, show that many things are possible, while always delivering a positive cultural message to a much wider audience in the corporate arena. It is the intention that “communities” from both areas may embrace a greater understanding of each other. As such, David sees himself as a global messenger.
His company Didge-Ralia P/L works to build capacity and knowledge amongst Indigenous Australians through inspirational speaking, workshop facilitation and conferences.
Cindy Hudson
Kathryn Ash
As JUTE Theatre Company’s Creative Producer, Kathryn Ash is a Cairns-based dramatist and dramaturg, working a variety of company writing development projects including JUTE’s Write Sparks writing development program and also their online learning program Write Out Loud. She has worked as playwright and writing mentor on an extensive Arts Festival program for Cairns City Council and Commonwealth Games in 2018 and in 2019 was co-writer of a highly acclaimed musical drama ‘Woven” with AustraNesia Choir. She is also a published playwright, including an award-winning play Bag O’Marbles, winner of the New York Dramatist Exchange in 2002, and over 25 produced plays to date, her most recent play Here We All Are. Assembled produced by JUTE and published by Playlab (2019). She worked as dramaturg on the 2019 Matilda Award-Winning play The Longest Minute during its 2-year development process. During the pandemic, she has been busy with two national writing projects Dear Australia for Playwriting Australia and Come To Where I Am by Critical Stages, both of which resulted in online presentation of her work through those two peak playwrighting bodies. Ash was also the driving force behind JUTE’s award-winning and highly respected dramaturgical script development program, Enter Stage Write, which operated for 16 years, and opened up long-term career pathways for over 25 regional playwrights. She is a founding member of JUTE, and is delighted to continue her long relationship with a company that has grown to be a regional force in writing practice.
DIRECTOR
Isaac Drandic
CAST
David Bindi Hudson
Nereace Howes
Nigel Pegrum
COMPOSERS AND MUSICIANS
Nereace, Nigel Pegrum and David Hudson
SOUND DESIGN
Nigel Pegrum
SET, COSTUME AND PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Josh McIntosh
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Sam Gibb
PROJECTION DESIGNER
Keith Deverell
PRODUCTION ARTIST
Jedess Hudson
Jedess is a descendant from the Ewamian and Western Yalanji people of North Queensland. She is an established Aboriginal artist contributing to the arts sector for many years.
Growing up Jedess was taught to be aware of her surroundings especially in nature and analyse the things that make up our diverse landscape. On her creative journey, Jedess has continued to draw deeply from her traditional homelands.
The land, seasons, bush tucker, flora and fauna are aspects that inspire her and are incorporated into her work.
