Bulman Barrel of Laughs – Comedy Night at Bulman
Eighty people and about twenty dogs gathered last Friday in the evening heat on the dusty edge of the small central Arnhem town of Bulman to laugh , dance and cheer at the “Bulman Barrel of laughs” a special event held in the small town located about 320 kilometres east of Katherine.
Organised by the Roper Gulf Shire and sponsored by the NT government Community Benefits fund, Amity, the Gulin Gulin Store and ITalk libraries, the evening starred Sean Choolaburra a well known Indigenous comedian and dancer.
A community BBQ preceded the main act which included stand up comedy, dance and audience participation.
Despite the heat of the end of the dry the audience of all ages jumped at the rare opportunity of hearing Sean and laughing along with their own as Sean lead the audience through stories of his life, old jokes freshly presented and some wild and very funny dancing. Sean a former member of the famed Bangara Dance Company entranced many of the audience with his dancing and mimicking and encouraged the considerable talent of many of the audience to dance along with him. Sean had the local kids up and even tempted the local Police up to dance with in a Michael Jackson number which had everyone cheering.
At the end of the night the audience many of whom came as families went home happy and refreshed.
The night had an underlying intention of raising issues related to the growing problem of gambling within many rural communities and towns. The approach was low key focusing on the risks to family well being. Comedy was the transport of the message and was not used to confront the audience. One of Sean’s characters a Gangham style gangster rapper draped in gaudy jewellery got a strong response when he said “Don’t lose your bling – gambling.”
Sean encouraged many younger members of the audience to take up comedy by saving their funny stories and jokes and having a go.
He also spoke and preformed for the students at the Bulman School earlier in the day.
One of the audience said as she left after the event,
“…it was a deadly event, we don’t get to hear funny men like that out here… and he was a real good dancer.”
All this and no dog fights! What else could you ask for under a balmy territory star lit sky?
For further details please direct your inquiries to Michael Berto, CEO Roper Gulf Shire Council on 08 8972 9000.
ENDS