Children’s story to light up the stage

Award-winning children’s Aboriginal story Kookoo Kookaburra will fly into the Pilbara next week.

Adapted from the Reader’s Choice Children’s Book of the Year from the 2016 Australian Book Industry Awards, Kookoo Kookaburra is touring regional Western Australia in an interactive performance of indigenous culture and storytelling.

Written by AJ Bailey, the heartwarming story, inspired by the Dreamtime, teaches children about the importance of friendship, respect and kindness.

The story was adapted from the awardwinning book of the same name by Gregg Dreise, a descendant of the Kamilaroi and Yuwalayaay people of Queensland and New South Wales.

Kookoo Kookaburra uses contemporary dance and didgeridoo to create a fun performance of Aboriginal culture and storytelling performed by Leonard Donahue, a descendant from the Djabugay people of the rainforest in far-north Queensland.

The tour is also a part of the 2017 Shows on the Go program, presented by Country Arts WA and Healthway promoting the Mentally Healthy WA campaign message, Act-Belong-Commit.

Healthway acting executive director Maree De Lacey said Healthway was delighted to support Shows on the Go Tour for 2017.

“Kookoo Kookaburra will give regional families a terrific opportunity to get together and enjoy great performances, a great way to Act-Belong-Commit,” she said.

“We’re proud to partner with Country Arts WA to encourage families to join with others for a mentally healthy WA.”

Kookoo Kookaburra will arrive in Port Hedland and perform at the Matt Dann Theatre and Cinema on May 12 at 6.30pm.

For more information and to book tickets, call 9158 9368 or visit mattdann.com.au.