Balang T.E. Lewis (1958–2018), a Murrungun man, was an actor, singer, songwriter and cultural leader. Born in Arnhem Land, he worked in a variety of jobs to support the family before training as a mechanic in Darwin. His breakout role as an actor came when the casting director for The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978) spotted him at an airport and cast him in the title role. He went on to appear in many television productions and films including We of the Never Never (1985), The Proposition (2005), Red Hill (2010) and Goldstone (2016). His theatre credits included Shadow King (2013), an interpretation of King Lear performed in English and multiple Aboriginal languages, and the Darwin Theatre Company's production of Othello (2006). His debut album Sunshine After Rain was awarded Music Release of the Year at the Northern Territory Indigenous Music Awards in 2006. In 2001, after 40 years away from his country, Lewis returned permanently to Arnhem Land to heal and reconnect with his culture. His journey was described in the documentary Finding Maawirrangga (2017).
The magnetic and charming personality which made Lewis such a compelling and successful actor is captured in Juno Gemes' portrait. With his leather jacket, white shirt and aviator sunglasses Lewis invokes the feeling of James Dean as he poses against a wall papered with posters announcing upcoming gigs at the Sydney Trade Union Club in Surry Hills.
Purchased 2021
© Juno Gemes/Copyright Agency, 2022
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![Tom E Lewis [Balang T E Lewis]](/files/0/7/8/5/i15147.jpg "Fit to screen: Tom E Lewis [Balang T E Lewis]")
