Bran Nue Dae Makes a Comeback After 30 Years

The hit Western Australian musical Bran Nue Dae has made a come back 30-years later with a new Opera Conference production. The show had achieved popularity in its debut in 1990, getting critical acclaim for giving indigenous voices centre stage and addressing tough issues with humor.

Michael Manolis, member of renowned Kimberley band Kuckles, helped write the songs that skewered these taboo topics of assimilation and dispossession. They challenged the mainstream perception of Aboriginal people. Manolis said there was an opportunity for Bran Nue Dae to reach a new audience. "This production is about young people really because we need the next generation to carry on, we really like this play to inspire young people across Australia."

Meanwhile, auditions have began in the far flung pearling town of Broome in Western Australia's far north. Naomi Pigram, Broome casting director who grew up with the music, says watching that on stage really gives you this power and energy of being a black fella and of being proud. Pigram says the musical's key themes of dispossession and assimilation remain as relevant as ever. "Realistically, aboriginal people haven't moved very far along so I think now is the time for something like Bran Nue Dae to come back, its such a powerful journey to go on."