What has it been like working on this production?
Working with the Butcher family, in particular Anyupa (Sammy’s daughter) and Sammy Butcher, has been such an incredible privilege and a joy. I’ve learnt so much and have appreciated their trusting ILBIJERRI over this five to six year journey. Personally, I’ve just loved the music of Warumpi as central to this work and working with the incredible musical director guitarist Gary Watling. Together with the band and lead singer Taj Pigrum, they’ve been able to create the Warumpi sound so authentically but adapted for a theatre context. Massive acknowledgement also needs to go to Andrea James. She was able to wrangle in this massive story, juggling the many who are invested. Working closely with Anyupa and Sammy, Andrea was able to streamline it into the brilliant work that it is. These last five to six years have been a massive but awesome journey for all of us and I’m forever grateful for the privilege it has been. I love the music, the heart of this story, the humour sprinkled throughout, and the powerful messages in it. We did good!
Where did the inspiration for the show come from? How long has it been in the works?
Anyupa and her family had been talking about making this work long before ILBIJERRI came on board. But as soon as Anyupa spoke about it, I was very keen for ILBIJERRI to support the work; as a self-determined black organisation committed to ensuring those whose story it is to maintain their authority over how their story is told. I was also very interested in realising that the country had never heard the Butcher brothers’ side of the Warumpi story – and it was time!
Big Name, No Blankets has been a big hit interstate. What does it mean to have the show resonate with so many people?
So proud of the team, so happy for the Butcher family; in particular for Sammy whom this was all for and about. And to have his guidance and support throughout the process – his thumbs up and smile when watching the show – is the best review we could ever get.
How are you feeling about bringing Big Name, No Blankets to Adelaide Festival?
We are all very excited to be bringing this show to Adelaide Festival. Everywhere we’ve gone the show has absolutely blown up! So we can’t wait to bring this to Kaurna Yerta.
Which scenes are you most excited for the audience to see?
That’s a hard one as I love so many of the scenes and not wanting to give anything away so in general – I’m gonna say the band, the music. I can’t wait to see the audience bust up onto their feet once they realise they’re allowed to dance and it’s actually encouraged.
What have been your favourite parts of working on this show?
The music… and the people, the band are incredible – it’s literally like we’re at the rock concert! But it’s the team! Everyone on this team are such beautiful, good humans: The production and stage management team; our producers, creatives and designers; and of course the cast and musicians.
Have there been any challenges in bringing the show to life?
There have been a few challenges along the journey which were just part and parcel of working out who the right people were to have in the room. Because we are a black theatre company and this is a black story, it was essential that we gave priority to the black voices in the room. And sometimes being a good ally means stepping away. And seeing the beautiful leadership of people like Anyupa Butcher as a Director, story-holder, and facilitator, while holding space for her family, was extraordinary to watch. I’m so proud of her.
As the first rock band to sing in Aboriginal languages, Warumpi Band are iconic. What does it mean to be able to tell their story and honour their legacy?
It has been the most extraordinary honour and privilege for everyone involved and I reckon it’s because of this the show is such a success – there are no egos in the room.
Do you have a favourite Warumpi Band song?
‘From the Bush’ – the lyrics don’t muck around!
‘Don’t be shy cause I’m black; My life is different to yours, what are you worried for? You got the money, you got the lot, you got it all, but you still don’t stop…. can’t your understand, we’ve got to have our land – In the Bush.’
What do you think will resonate most with the audience and are there any messages that you hope they take away from the show and the music?
That Australia has a black history and that we are here and always will be and that this is something this country should be proud of and that we should be celebrating. But we got a lot of truth telling to do before we can get to any reconciliation… but we can do it! Warumpi showed us the way!
How would you describe the show in three words?
Best Show Ever (That’s from feedback!).
Big Name, No Blankets, Her Majesty’s Theatre, until 16 March