The musical was originally directed by Andrew Ross and choreographed by Michael Leslie.[2] It premiered at the Octagon Theatre in February–March 1990 as part of the Festival of Perth, and later toured nationally.[3]
The musical won the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards in 1990. The following year the published script and score won the Special Award in the Western Australian Premier's Book Awards.[4] Theatre critic Katharine Brisbane wrote in 1999:[5]
Bran Nue Dae in 1989 was a turning point in the short history of Aboriginal writing for the theatre. Twenty years of evolution: in writers, political activists, actors, dancers, singers and song-writers, preceded it.
Gail Mabo performed in the Sydney run of the musical in 1991.[6] A 1991 television documentary Bran Nue Dae tells the story of the creation of the musical.[7][8]
The musical was revived for an Australian national tour in 2020.[9]
