May 3. Day122. Give yourselves a round of applause

Cowriter Alana Valentine, director Leticia Cáceres  and performer Elaine Crombie

Ursula Yovich plays the titular character Barbara

According to figures released today, 64 per cent of Australians agree  the country should  "amend its constitution to establish a representative Indigenous body to advise Parliament on laws and policies affecting Indigenous people". 
The other 36 per cent should be given a ticket to see Barbara and the Camp Dogs. Or perhaps that's being too optimistic. Let's start with just the 13% who are neutral on the idea.
The bolted on objectors  probably need more than a piece of theatre to get them thinking, no matter how strong the text or masterful the performances.

Elaine Cromby plays Barbara's sister and fellow muso Rene

This is a really, really powerful piece of theatre that smacks you been between the eyes. It's funny and touching in parts but unflinching in its portrayal of the issues that confront Indigenous Australians. But there's also great pub rock and a set that looks like it has borrowed both its carpet and chalkboard from a pretty grungy tavern.
This will take you places. The crowd at opening night tonight rose and applauded not in the obligatory
opening night way but in a long, loud and deeply moved way.
This isn't an easy piece of theatre - but it's important without being preachy. And it just might change a mind or two

Listen to our review of Barbara and the Camp Dogs here

Queensland Theatre's artistic director Sam Strong