"She's the centre of attention in some very fine company"
Dunstan Playhouse Until Saturday, June 12
Ruby Hunter arrives on stage in a red velvet gown with all the confidence she needs to carry an evening devoted to her life and work. It's no small thing.
Backed by her partner, renowned singer-songwriter Archie Roach, and the impeccable Australian Art Orchestra, she's the centre of attention in some very fine company.
She's an extraordinarily unselfconscious artist who imparts her rich and sometimes heart-rending life experiences with a devilish wit and rare warmth. Then there's her voice, which is so deep and dramatic it seems to carry the weight of her people when it's not in the process of knocking your socks off.
This show follows Hunter's story in yarning and song, from her early years in the Riverland, to her experiences as a member of the Stolen Generation and meeting Roach at a Salvation Army drop-in centre in Adelaide.
There's some wonderful knockabout banter between the couple, who contributed the lyrics and music, arranged for the performance by Australian Art Orchestra leader Paul Grabowsky and his nine-piece band.
Highlights include an almost anthemic version of Roach's classic of contemporary Australian songwriting, Took The Children Away.
- Louise Nunn (The Advertiser) 12.06.04
