William Barton is one of Australia’s most respected musicians. His achievements with the didgeridoo are prestigious: he has played with the London Philharmonic orchestra (amongst many others around the world) and at the age of 24 he had a classical piece composed especially for him by one of Australia’s most famous contemporary composers – Peter Sculthorpe.  

William is also dedicated to the traditional cultural values instilled deeply within him.

Using an axe, a piece of wire and his knowledge of the land, William takes the audience through his tribal lands around the Mount Isa region on a two week quest to make a didgeridoo using traditional methods. 

Watching William working on the instrument, as he once watched his Kalkadoon elders, the audience gains an insight not just into the art of making the didgeridoo, but also of the nature of Kalkadoon people. 

William shares his thoughts, stories and compositions which give a rare insight into the life of this young Kalkadoon descendant trying to resolve his place in the contemporary world.