Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 22 June 2018
As Jack Kanya Kudnuitya Buckskin welcomed the audience to country his voice boomed through Dunston Playhouse with a traditional song that captivated the audience and set the mood for a show that was all about country, self, friendship and the sublime voices of Archie Roach and Tiddas. Bringing to audiences music made decades ago with producer Jen Anderson that had been sitting as a demo collecting dust in a studio.
The audience was certainly grateful for the reunion. As the music filled the air feet began to tap and hands began to clap to the rhythm of each song. As Archie spoke in between songs about the past and places he’d been, you could hear audience members joining in with “I remember that place” and “oh yeah that was over there”. The Tiddas ladies also brought the laughs with Amy Saunders teaching the audience not to take things too seriously.
Saunders, Lou Bennett and Sally Dastey make up the female vocalist group Tiddas and for many in the audience it was the first time hearing their incredible vocals (they disbanded in 2000 and reformed for this album) , whilst Archie is undeniably an incredible talent in his own right as a solo artist, the four together make a sound that you think has been traveling together forever. They are in total sinc and harmony with one another, adding an extra divine layer to the soulful voice audiences are used to hearing from Archie. In the second half of the show audiences are treated to Tiddas belting out some classic songs all on their own which had everyone singing along.
Roach, Tiddas, and the band bring to life the songs of Dancing With My Spirit as well as some extras in what can only be described as a show that awakens your soul and breathes a certain kind of peace into your heart that leaves you feeling up lifted and connected to country as you leave the theatre. The energy in the foyer and excited talking of happiness made it apparent that the audience also felt this way and as everyone lined up to meet the four vocalists it was clear just how much the album means and the importance of the lyrics sung.
Reviewed by Tara Forbes-Godfrey
Rating: 5/5
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse
Season: 22 – 23 June 2018
Duration: 1 hour 20mins
Tickets: $64.90 – $79.90
Bookings: https://www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au/events/archie-roach-and-tiddas/
The album is available in both vinyl and CD format from http://www.archieroach.com/merch/
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