Laughter filled the air and bellowed out of the Gab Titui Cultural Centre last Friday and Saturday nights when the highly anticipated theatre show Lucky and the Flight of the Sky Puppies made its debut in Zenadth Kes.
Kaiwalagal-based families and community gathered around the Outdoor Stage to follow the heartwarming and hilarious adventure of Lucky, a Speckled Flying Fox lost in Cairns when its home is destroyed.
In a captivating blend of puppetry, animation and interactive performance, children enjoyed meeting the crazy characters on Lucky’s journey, while parents were swept up in a wave of nostalgia as they remembered the iconic fig trees along the Cairns esplanade.
Torres Strait actor Jimi Bani and co-star Jason Klarwein sent the crowd into bursts of belly-laughs. However, stealing the show and hearts was Jimi’s daughter, young Agnes Ahwang Bani who played Girl, the little human who found Lucky.
“I was a little nervous, but I was so excited to get on stage,” Agnes said.
“I had lots of fun doing the show, my favourite part was seeing Pepe (the dog) sing Bella Ciao and Chad the Cassowary support him, I couldn’t stop laughing,” she added.
“It was incredible watching my daughter tailor the script for the audience; she even adlibbed parts in Youmpla Tok, which really resonated with the young kids in the audience,” Jimi shared.
“It was amazing playing off of her energy and watching her respond and adjust to the crowd’s reactions,” he added.
“The best part was how after the show, all the kids came up and were interested in learning how the puppets worked and they tried on the costumes as well,” Jason shared.
“I loved watching their curiosity at work,”
“We even had kids come up to us at the wharf and quote our lines from the show,” he added.
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM was privileged to attend the show and said it left him and audiences with happy tears and unforgettable memories.
“The atmosphere of love and laughter created by the cast and crew was electric,” Mr Stephen said.
“What an incredible performance by young Agnes, Jimi and Jason,”
“Lucky and Flight of the Sky Puppies will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory for all who attended, especially the children who sat at the front, eagerly awaiting each act,” Mr Stephen added.
Jimi and Jason will remain on Waibene until the end of November, and they hope to connect with local performing artists.
“We are very humbled by the support from TSRA, Gab Titui Cultural Centre and TSIMA, and we look forward to developing conversations with local artists to explore all storytelling mediums to share important messages,” Jimi said.
Lucky and the Flight of the Sky Puppies was presented by Gab Titui Cultural Centre and grin and Tonic Theartre Troupe. Gab Titui offers community a line-up of incredible Public Programs for all ages. All upcoming events are published on our Facebook page.
