LUSH LIFE

The extraordinary life of one of Australia’s finest jazz singers

Wilma Reading is one of Australia’s most accomplished Jazz singers, however her name is largely unknown. LUSH LIFE charts the rise of a young Indigenous singer, contrasted against the complex politics and social upheaval of 1960s Australia. Wilma believed race and gender were no barrier to her ambition. When she sang, she could be anyone she wanted to be.

Hugely successful, she toured the world, appearing in jazz clubs across Asia, USA, Europe and the UK. At the height of her career, Wilma toured with Duke Ellington, performed on Johnny Carsons’ Tonight Show, and held residencies at New York’s Copacabana nightclub. LUSH LIFE brings to the stage her inspirational story.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s through the Major Festivals Initiative, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals and Melbourne Festival, Ministry for the Arts Indigenous Arts & Languages program & Arts Centre Melbourne.

CONTACT: Simeon Moran Executive Producer simeon@ilbijerri.com.au