| Aboriginal Celebrity
Now recognised as one of
Australia's
foremost
Aboriginal storytellers,
Francis Firebrace has been yarning (telling stories) "since he can't
remember when," and Australians, both young and old alike have delighted
in his dreaming stories performed at schools, functions, festivals and
theatres. Over the past 16 years this devotion has carried Francis across
several continents where his ancient stories are treated by
indigenous and non indigenous peoples with the utmost respect and
admiration and with every performance he leaves a lasting impression.
Invited to perform at storytelling festivals from the bare landscape of Alaska
to the lush settings of Scotland. In 1997, Francis was invited to the
International Storytelling Festival in Edinburgh, where the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM)
conference was held, the
festival being a major feature of this prestigious event.
Francis is a highly respected contemporary Aboriginal artist, whose works have
been displayed and distributed throughout the world.
More about
Francis's art on the art work page.
Francis learnt some of his dreaming stories as a drover and a stockman during
his younger years. At this time he was working in outback New South Wales and
Queensland, where his interest began to grow, and he studied and learnt his
many stories of this vast land.
Francis's popularity could well be due to the fact that the stories he tells
contain important messages about caring for each other and the
earth, and about racism and greed. He aims to bridge the gaps separating people
by generating a greater understanding of his cultural heritage and the
lessons it contains.
With sounds of the yidiki echoing in the background, Francis often performs
with a didgeridoo player and dancer to add to the vividness of his
storytelling. He combines these dimensions into an exciting, entertaining and
enlightening performance pleasing audiences of all ages and cultures. His
message of culture tolerance, equality, care for others and environmental
conservation impact on all people, "red and yellow, black
and white, the earth is colour blind, and deserves the respect of all
mankind."
|
