To mark the eve of the centenary of the First World War, Sydney Festival presented a work of significance, scope and monumental ambition, in a world premiere event at the Sydney Opera House. Directed by Wesley Enoch and written by Tom Wright, Black Diggers uncovers the contribution of First World War Aboriginal Diggers, following their exceptional stories from their homelands to the battlefields of Gallipoli, Palestine and Flanders. An all-male, all-Indigenous cast will evoke these heroic men, largely unknown to history.
Black Diggers was long overdue. Drawing upon new research and extensive consultation, the production reclaimed a forgotten chapter of the story we tell ourselves about Australia's wartime legacy, shying away from none of it.
Director Wesley Enoch
Writer Tom Wright
Set Designer Stephen Curtis
Costume Designer Ruby Langton-Batty
Lighting Designer Ben Hughes
Composer / Sound Designer Tony Brumpton
Dramaturg Louise Gough
Cultural Consultant George Bostock
Researcher David Williams
Acting Coach Jason Klarwein
Singing Coach Megan Shorey
Voice and Dialect Coach Melissa Agnew
Fight Director Niki-J Price
Movement Consultant Nerida Matthaei
Cast George Bostock, Luke Carroll, David Page, Hunter Page-Lochard, Guy Simon, Colin Smith, Eliah Watego, Tibian Wyles and Meyne Wyatt.
Bugler CPL Ian Stenning, University of NSW Reg.
Production Manager Toni Glynn
Stage Manager Peter Sutherland
Assistant Stage Manager Ashlee Hints
Indigenous Reference Group Uncle Harry Allie, Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver AM, Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA, Pastor Ray Minniecon, Gary Oakley, Colin Watego and Uncle David Williams
"Not just one of the highlights of this year’s festival but a new high point in telling a national narrative on the stage."
"Black Diggers powerfully brings the past to life"
"A moving portrait of Indigenous soldiers"
"An important landmark of our theatre"