More Than These Bones
More Than These Bones is an epic and intercontinental poetry work detailing the author’s journey through heartbreak and self-discovery. The book is rooted in place. Pieces land in multiple settings — the bar, the beach, the bush and sometimes, the bedroom, each location lending itself to another dimension of his story so far. The canopy of this collection stretches seamlessly from chic to ancient, from tender to tough, as Backhouse’s writing offers a vital, polyphonic voice for our times. Alongside his words are photographs and hand-drawn expressions which speckle the page, every line the tattoo of an echo. More than these Bones is filled with a love of flesh, of others, of country and eventually, for self.
Bebe Backhouse is a descendant of the Bardi Jawi people, who has called Narrm (Melbourne) home for ten years. Beginning his creative practice as a classical pianist and composer, Bebe was awarded a West Australian Youth Award at twenty-one for his work as a music teacher to young Indigenous people. He later made a name for himself as a creative producer and director of youth theatre, festivals, and public art projects across Australia, including international dance and theatre projects in New Zealand, France and Belgium. While holding senior positions at leading public arts organisations in Melbourne, Bebe successfully fostered many artistic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives to showcase their work in mainstream platforms, allowing Traditional Culture to thrive in the public realm.
A leader in designing and delivering high-profile programs and strategic projects for Australia’s diverse communities, Bebe is a frequent commentator on the arts and culture community. Holding cultural integrity at the forefront, he has in-depth experience in stakeholder management and organisational leadership, with a passion for advocacy, advancement, and the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. More Than These Bones is Bebe’s debut solo publication.
