Circling Time – Songs and Stories

From the wings of a darkened stage drifts the evocative, slightly haunting sound of clap sticks. A stoically paced figure slowly emerges singing in his traditional language. This mesmerising introduction heralds a performance by renowned Aboriginal singer/songwriter and proud Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Nari Nari man, Kutcha Edwards.

The show is arranged in sequences exploring Kutcha’s life through the themes of Country, Birth, Youth, Politics, Love, Culture, Healing and Hope. Each theme is bathed in individualised colours and enhanced by stunning projections that amplify the poignancy of Kutcha’s original songs and stories.

Kutcha’s new album, Circling Time, features songs chosen to complement each thematic segment of the show, culminating in a finale in which the audience is invited to participate, raising their voices in a unified song of hope. People are enriched by their encounter with Kutcha and left with a broader understanding of Aboriginal culture and how the policies of yesterday have impacted and continue to do so. Without a doubt Kutcha leaves audiences enthralled with his performance, his beautiful voice, charismatic stage presence and with a deeper understanding of the Australia’s first people.

Reviews

“Peter Rotumah, Joe Geia, Bart Willoughby, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter and Lou Bennett were superb, but it was the giant Kutcha Edwards who had the audience by the throat. I don’t think I’ve seen a more soulful performance in my life.” Jason Blake, Sydney Festival Review.

“The judges summed it up whey they announced Kutcha Edwards as the winner of the Melbourne Prize for Music saying his “outstanding contribution to Australian music speaks for itself”. Martin Boulton, The Age.