From Campfire to Stage Light

JUTE-From-Campfire-to-Stage-Light-David-Bindi-Hudson-photo-by-Mick-FuhrimannFrom a childhood spent on outback cattle stations to world tours and serendipitous moments in the sun, the extraordinary life of First Nations’ Australian, David Bindi Hudson is at the centre of an exciting new co-production, From Campfire to Stage Light by JUTE Theatre Company and Didge-Ralia, presented in a world premiere season as part of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) from 7 July 2022.

A born and bred Far North Queenslander from Ewamian Country located in the Gulf of Carpentaria savannah lands, David Bindi Hudson is known for his star quality and a rare combination of talents that shine bright in whatever he sets his mind to – be it singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, visual artist, or cultural leader for Indigenous Australia.

In preparing to deliver his one man play to audiences in Cairns next month, Mr Hudson said he hopes From Campfire to Stage Light will inspire a new generation of artists and performers in a show he describes, “as epic as the Dreamtime and as intimate as a campfire yarn,” he said.

“I can’t wait to take the audience with me on what is a very personal journey grounded in my connection to culture and Country and commitment to intergenerational knowledge sharing.”

“I feel so incredibly honoured and proud that I have this opportunity and can do so in such a special and intimate theatre setting complete with the highest quality production values. For this support I give great thanks to JUTE and to their supremely dedicated, passionate, and award-winning team,” said Mr Hudson.

JUTE Theatre Company’s Artistic Director and CEO Suellen Maunder said David is an extraordinary performer and his story is one just waiting to be told and under the direction of First Nations’ Director, Isaac Drandic, this story will have a powerful impact on stage.

“In this our 30th year of telling Australian stories, there is no better story than David’s story befitting this special occasion,” she said.

From Campfire to Stage Light is a play about opportunity, about hope and how one man’s affinity with culture and the arts has the ability to inspire and ignite a whole new generation of storytellers and for this, JUTE is also immensely proud,” said Ms Maunder.

From Campfire to Stage Light is laden with yarns and jewels of Hudson’s life – not the least of which covers his musical art and popularising the didgeridoo, performing in a world tour with Greek composer, Yanni, his passion for educating people about First Nations’ culture and success in co-founding the award-winning dance troupe and Australia’s longest running theatrical production Tjapukai.

Director: Isaac Drandic | Featuring: David Bindi Hudson | Musicians: David Hudson, Nigel Pegrum and Nereace | Set, Costume and Production Designer: Josh McIntosh | Production Artist: Jedess Hudson | Production Manager and Lighting Designer: Sam Gibb | Projection Designer: Keith Deverell | Sound Designer: Nigel Pegrum | Stage Manager: Sarah O’Neill | Playwrights: David Hudson with Kathryn Ash and Cindy Hudson | Music and Lyrics: Nereace, Nigel Pegrum and David Hudson


From Campfire to Stage Light
Bulmba-ja Theatre, 96 Abbott Street, Cairns City
Season: 7 – 16 July 2022
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au

For more information, visit: www.jute.com.au for details.

Image: David Bindi Hudson – photo by Mick Fuhrimann