Eseli’s Story

Badu Art Centre, in collaboration with two of Badu Island’s renowned dance troupes, whose members are connected through family lineages, come together to share the story of Badu artist statesman, James Eseli and his Badu World War II Plane Dance.

This ‘story dance’ commemorates his childhood memories of watching World War II fighter planes and bombers taking off from Ngurapai (Horn Island). For the first time outside of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait Islands), this dance will be performed in its entirety featuring 44 male dancers with 8 singers and musicians.

Specifically carved headdresses shaped from wapadh (hibiscus wood) used in this unique performance will feature in the Task Eternal exhibition, continuing the ongoing legacy and celebration of Eseli’s Story.

This event is free with an opening weekend general admission ticket. The allocation of free general admission tickets has been exhausted – but you can still guarantee entry by booking a ticket to Task Eternal or another Opening Festival program.