Sparrows of Kabul
Red Chair
About the work
An extraordinary song cycle about Australia’s Afghanistan mission from the dust of Uruzgan to the fall of Kabul.
Fred Smith and band present this extraordinary song cycle on Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan. Fred was there at the beginning in Uruzgan Province and returned to work from Kabul International Airport on the difficult evacuation. His epitaph for the mission is “it was what it was”.
With a carefully curated combination of song, story and projected images, Smith transports the audience to valleys and cities of Afghanistan. Audience members are left sitting in stunned silence having been gently infused with a sober understanding of the experiences of Australian soldiers on the ground in Uruzgan and the courage of thousands of Afghans who braved the human logjams outside the gates of Kabul Airport in a last-ditch dash for freedom.
Performances of this concert have received rave reviews:
“A beautiful retelling of Australia’s Afghanistan experience”
Adrienne Francis, ABC 666, Saturday Breakfast,
“Finely observed snapshots of a harsh, sad and funny reality…In concert he has a knack for balancing drama and humour…towering artistic achievement”
John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald
“Fred Smith is an Australian national treasure. Diplomat, philosopher, poet and raconteur his songs reverberate with the prophetic voice of humanity…an extraordinary, wonderful and heart-uplifting concert.”
Peter Wilkins, Canberra Critics Circle
About the company
Technical Considerations
Marketing & Engagement
Details
Artforms
Cabaret
Interdisciplinary / Multi-media
Live Music (Contemporary)
Audiences
General
Young Adults
Senior Adults
Military/veteran communities; Folk & Country Music fans; Refugee/migrant support groups
Age Groups
Adult18+ years
Available to tour
From 2025
Until 2029
Touring Information
Cost
We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
QTouring acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands, winds and water ways.