Raised in Big Spirit Country - Black Swan Theatre Company

Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan

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The Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA’s Raised in Big Spirit Country is a powerful and evocative concert event that celebrates the legendary artists of Broome while showcasing the next generation shaping its musical future. A tribute to the region’s rich musical heritage, the production is a vibrant and deeply moving experience that brings to life the unique "Broome sound"—a multicultural fusion of Indigenous, Asian, and European influences formed during the region’s pearling boom.

At the heart of the performance are original compositions by Naomi Pigram-Mitchell and her brother Bart Pigram, which are seamlessly interwoven with classic songs from iconic Kimberley bands such as Kuckles and Scrap Metal. These selections highlight the resilience and history of the Aboriginal peoples of Broome, with music serving as both a cultural bridge and a testament to the power of storytelling through song.

While the show’s soundscape is undeniably rich, the production did encounter some early sound balance issues, with the instruments initially overwhelming the vocals. Fortunately, as the performance progressed, the mix evened out, allowing the emotional depth of the lyrics to shine through.

Visually, Raised in Big Spirit Country makes excellent use of the Studio Underground’s space, which often hosts productions with minimal set requirements. Here, the set design added to the immersion, featuring a jetty, a climbable 'rock,' and a nod to the mangroves that are quintessential to the Broome region. The space felt full but not overwhelmed. The string curtains were a particularly nice touch, serving as an entry point for the dancer and also as a canvas for the projections. Raised in Big Spirit Country incorporates stunning projections that complement the music and theming beautifully. These visuals link the history of Broome’s Aboriginal communities to the performance, adding layers of depth to the storytelling. However, some of these projections were unfortunately lost to the lighting wash illuminating the band. When visible, they enriched the narrative, making their occasional disappearance all the more noticeable.

The addition of the other performers brought a lovely vibe to the numbers they were included in. Their presence added to the emotional and visual depth of the show, and it would have been nice to see them incorporated more frequently. Some of the transitions between numbers could also have been elongated slightly, which would have allowed for greater inclusion of these performers while giving audiences more time to absorb the shift between pieces. Some transitions, consisting of only a single line, were almost entirely lost in the applause. Given that the run time was closer to an hour than the advertised hour and 15 minutes, there was room for these adjustments without extending the show beyond its intended length.

The costuming, while simple, felt thoughtfully chosen—particularly for the female vocalists, who had a lovely costume change mid-show, and the non-singing performers, whose attire complemented their roles beautifully. It would have been nice to see this attention to costuming extend to the band as well, enhancing the overall visual cohesion of the production.

More than just a concert, Raised in Big Spirit Country is a celebration of history, resilience, and the unifying power of music. The inclusion of a multigenerational cast was a wonderful touch, reinforcing the passing down of musical traditions and storytelling through the generations. The song selection and ordering were well done, progressing the narrative naturally without feeling forced. With Broome’s music largely unheard outside the region, this production offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience its soulful and diverse sound. Through masterful performances and a deeply personal connection to place and heritage, the show affirms Broome’s musical legacy and ensures that its future remains as vibrant as its past.

Image Credit: Daniel J Grant

Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by Black Swan Theatre Company.