David Gulpilil does an amazingly life-like kookaburra call and then tells a story about the kookaburra in this excerpt from an oral history from 1978.

Gulpilil is famous for his acting and dancing. This clip shows Gulpilil's prowess as a storyteller - something which is also evident in his dance and acting roles. He tells a traditional story about the kookaburra which has been passed down to him through the generations. This piece is an example of Gulpilil's desire to share the culture of his people with a broad audience.

This oral history was recorded without an interviewer and has a stream of consciousness feel to it. His voice is recorded very cleanly which captures the clear and measured use of his words. It has a calming quality and you are made to feel that he is speaking directly to you, almost as if he is telling you a secret. It has the effect of drawing you in to his words and to the story he is telling.

This oral history was broadcast on ABC Radio in Adelaide in 1978.

To learn more about David Gulpilil visit his curated collection and portrait.

The cover image is from Napoleon, 1996 - Film Australia Collection © NFSA, Australian Film Finance Corporation Pty Limited, Herald Ace Inc, Furry Feature Films Pty Limited.

Notes by Beth Taylor