Set out on the road trip of a lifetime with a spunky runaway teenager, two hippies, a wily Uncle, and a German priest. By the time you shake the red dust from your feet, you’ll know what it means to come home.

Jimmy Chi’s coming-of-age musical Bran Nue Dae is an exuberant ride through 1960s Western Australia. Young Willie hitchhikes his way from mission school back to Broome, determined to win the heart of the girl he left behind.

A feel-good mash-up of rock-and-roll, gospel, country and blues made this musical a sparkling success in 1990.

The stage is a recreation of the historic Sun Pictures open-air cinema in Broome, and the costumes are delightfully nostalgic.

Chi’s semi-autobiographical musical is packed with humour and hope. It’s a story for all Australians, the late musician said. “It is my story but it is also yours and everybody else you know who seeks love and happiness in a world clouded by injustice.”

Presented by Opera Queensland and QPAC. This production is commissioned by the Opera Conference, Australia’s national partnership of professional opera companies.

CREATIVE TEAM
Music Directors KUCKLES (PATRICK BIN AMAT, GARY GOWER, MICHAEL MAVROMATIS and STEPHEN PIGRAM)
Indigenous Advisor MICHAEL MAVROMATIS
Director ANDREW ROSS
Associate Director NAOMI PIGRAM
Set & Costume Designer MARK THOMPSON
Choreographer TARA GOWER
Lighting Designer MARK HOWETT
Sound Designer MICHAEL WATERS

Cast announced in late 2019.

Sung in English. Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes including one interval. Please note this production contains strong language, adult themes and sexual references.