There was a boy … and he found his way back home
An entertaining Torres Strait Theatre work will be a great way to get set for the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair this July.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair will present The Boy Who Found His Way Home, a heartwarming and humorous Torres Strait Islander coming-of-age theatre work by author, poet and songwriter Jillian Boyd-Bowie.
Actors Vaughan Wapau and Jimi Bani will bring this seminal Australian work to life in July at CIAF 2026. Tickets for the one-night-only July 7 show, leading into CIAF, will be at Tanks Arts Centre and are now on sale.
A powerful story of identity, culture and belonging to Gimuy (Cairns) audiences, The Boy Who Found His Way Home is a CIAF and Grin and Tonic Theatre partnership presented by Jillian Boyd-Bowie and supported by the Torres Strait Regional Authority and Queensland Government’s Arts Queensland.
The production premiered in May 2025 at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre amphitheatre, where more than 500 people attended across two nights.
‘To experience storytelling and the passing on of knowledge in a fun and engaging way through theatre is powerful’
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Making her playwriting debut, Boyd-Bowie (Bid Buai – Dolphin People and Bakir Bi) tells the story of Iothamo, a city boy who returns to Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) and reconnects with culture, family and Country. Through mango chores, no-filter aunties and a local fishing competition, Iothamo’s journey unfolds with humour, warmth and cultural insight.
“Sitting in the audience, watching and observing my story from page to stage was a surreal moment for me, especially seeing families and friends enjoying the show from start to finish. It warms my heart,” Boyd-Bowie says. “To experience storytelling and the passing on of knowledge in a fun and engaging way through theatre is powerful. It pays to have such a great team of actors, directors and designers behind it all.
“The post-show impact in community was overwhelming. I have been humbled by the buzz and positive feedback. Within one hour, I did my best to capture and celebrate who we are as Torres Strait Islanders in the hope of inspiring our young people to be proud of their identity and cultural heritage … because the future of our cultural sustenance, including our language, lies in their hands.”
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Grounded in culture, the production delivers powerful messages wrapped in belly-aching laughter, celebrating Zenadth Kes identity through familiar, lived experiences of home and community.
Zenadth Kes actor Jimi Bani (Mabo, The Straits) brings multiple characters to life, performing alongside emerging talent Vaughan Wapau, whose portrayal of Iothamo received standing ovations during the premiere season.
“To be able to deliver Aunty Jill’s words and share the stage with Vaughan is magical,” Jimi Bani says. “The opportunity to act alongside Vaughan is one of my biggest career highlights. He is an amazing storyteller and I am honoured to ride this wave with him.”
Wapau says the story resonates strongly with audiences.
“I just love that familiar story portrayed by Iothamo trying to fit in and then finding accomplishment and pride in learning his culture from his Ata and discovering his identity,” he says.
Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek says the production shares uniquely Queensland stories, exploring Torres Strait Islander heritage and themes of belonging, identity and culture.
“The (State) Government proudly supports CIAF and its presentation of the theatre work The Boy Who Found His Way Home, which celebrates Queensland’s diverse voices and reinforces the state’s global reputation for celebrated arts experiences,” says Langbroek.
The Boy Who Found His Way Home will be presented at Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns, on July 7. Tickets are now on sale.
ciaf.com.au/boy-who-found-his-way-home-jillian-boyd-bowie
CIAF 2026, Reclamation & Regeneration, July 9-12, Tanks Arts Centre and satellite venues across Gimuy/Cairns.
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