BRAN NUE DAE

Nearly 20 years ago I travelled from Narrabri to Moree on a bus full of Kamilaroi community members. In Moree we watched a performance of the play "Bran Nue Dae". The musical was performed on a stage which had been built outdoors on one of the ovals at Moree. That night there was a thunder storm, and although the rain held off there was thunder and lightning and the sky was ominously dark. There was a huge crowd there to watch the play, and I was one of the few 'white people' in the audience. Although I have seen many live plays this remains one of my favourite. I used to have the soundtrack on a tape but I played it so much it broke (or one of the kids cut it up?). For years I tried to get a replacement copy but it was never available. However on the 14th January this year the film version of Bran Nue Dae was released in Australia and finally I can get a copy of the soundtrack.

The original musical was written in 1990 by Jimmy Chi and Kuckles. It is set in Western Australia in 1969 and tells the story of William "Willie" Johnson who is studying for the priesthood but runs away from his boarding school in Perth intending to make his way back home to Broome so he can win back his girlfriend Rosie. Along the way he teams up with 'Uncle' Tadpole, a lovable rogue who offers to help him. Together they get a lift with some German tourists/hippies in a kombie van. Along the way they sing and dance while all the while being pursued by Father Benedictus, the head of Willies' boarding school. They run into trouble with the police, meet some unusual characters and find out about life.

The film is directed by Rachel Perkins and has an unusual lineup of stars. Willie is played by Rocky McKenzie, Uncle Tadpole by Ernie Dingo and Father Benedictus by Geoffrey Rush. Missy Higgins and Jessica Mauboy make their film debuts in Bran Nue Dae. Interestingly Ernie Dingo, Stephen 'Baamba' Albert and Ningali Lawford who play parts in the film were also in the original 1989 stage production. Magda Szubanski also makes an appearance in the film.
Though the film has recieved only luke warm comments from crictics it has been loved by audiences and won audience award for best feature at the Melbourne International Film Festival, and the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Internet comments about the film are generally favourable, enjoying the period and the issues raised. Most found the film a good laugh and very light-hearted, with good hum along tunes. Those that didn't like the film mostly complained about its PG rating as the film often deals bluntly with sexual issues.


I have not seen the film yet but deliberately write this beforehand so that I won't make comparisons. After I have seen the film I will add a brief postscript.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well I did finally get to see the film. I loved it. It was a good reflection of the Aboriginal culture and sense of humour in the communities I have come to know. It should not be taken too seriously and was a fun musical. I play the sound track constantly and sing along in the car. Recommended.