Sean is a comedian, rap singer, dancer, storyteller, actor and hip-hop didge player. He uses these gifts to take a lively look at his Aboriginal and Australian identity.
Although Sean Choolburra is carving his niche as Australia's No. 1 indigenous comedian, there is a lot more than this to be said about the man and his career. Like Sally Morgan, his work seems to be about his personal exploration of his personal identity and life story.
You can see from this UTube clip, Performance in Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala 2008, that he is a dynamic and versatile comedian. His acts are a neatly blended conglomeration of rap singing, dancing, storytelling, acting with moments of hip-hop and didge playing.
How does a young indigenous person who hails from humble North Queensland - Townsville
- establish a career as a dancer and create an entity like the NGARU Dance Company
- get invited to perform all over the world with the Bangarra Dance Company
- find himself invited to perform for the Dalai Lama
- as well as meet Prince Charles and much, much more?
Every article written about him claims he is charming, captivating, cheeky, clever and charismatic.
Sharing His Memories
On his website he shares his memories of being a "small town aboriginal boy" and emphasizes his current sophistication as a performer by contrast. In his unique style, Sean alludes in a humorous way to the exaggeratedly non-racial melting pot that is the modern day attempt to straddle diverse ethnic peoples attempting to live together.
In a haphazard way, Australians attempt to celebrate differences and accept funny human foibles for what they are. Sean adroitly reflects this human frailty with a loving respect that cuts to the chase. He says that part of his shows are a fresh and lively look at both his Aboriginal and Australian identity as it is influenced by Americanism.
A Unique Style of Humour
When you cruise to his website and click on the merchandise page you will find LA caps for sale. Why is this?
" My old grandfather says "Look at you kids, dressing up like Americans" without noticing he himself wearing cowboy hat and boots just like John Wayne." (Sean's words from same website) He goes on to tell us about how his grandfather would tease kids about wearing hip hop clothes and LA hats.
In his way Sean uses humour to point to the same phenomenon that visual critical literacy would unpack, unearth and unmask. Symbols can mean what we want them to mean. They can be torn, twisted and appropriated by the artist in just the same way they can by the avid consumer. Sean says, LA means 'Love Aboriginal.' (Go buy the hat!)
Creative Synthesis
In this way Sean has masterfully crafted a Creative Synthesis. He has appropriated parts of various relevant cultures. He pinches what he finds quaint, attractive, fun and funny to create a blend of humour he can call his own. In an unbridled and creative stroke of genius, he combines art forms such as art, didge playing and hip hop to produce work that is truly worthy of International recognition.
Have you been to see Sean live? Have you shared his DVDs or been to his workshops? If so, please tell us about your experiences on the discussion boards.
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