John will touch down in Melbourne for the 25th anniversary screening of 'Hedwig', before jetting to Sydney for the 'Just Be Punk' event at the Festival Of Dangerous Ideas. Then, he'll perform his theatrical concert, 'I'm Afraid Of Americans – A Bowie Song Cycle' in both cities.
'I'm Afraid Of Americans' celebrates the iconic David Bowie, as John Cameron Mitchell blends Bowie's music into an electrifying journey, explaining how 'Hedwig' was born, and how the cultural icon predicted where the world is today. . . Exactly ten years after he left us.
John will be joined by rising Australian star Jude York and vocal powerhouse Amber Martin for the shows.
Here, we speak to John Cameron Mitchell about Bowie, 'Hedwig', Australia and more.
‘I’m Afraid Of Americans – A Bowie Song Cycle’ is much more than a tribute concert. How would you describe the experience to someone who's thinking about coming along?
The show was created as a kind of rock catharsis after the second election of our Dear American Leader. It follows the "you've got to go through it to deal with it" dictum by looking at his most apocalyptic, fascist-facing songs – mostly from the '70s but a few from the '90s, leavened and answered by some of his most healing songs.
David Bowie inspired so many artists in different ways. What has his influence meant to you personally and creatively over the years?
He has been my goad and my god since I was 10 watching him on Top of the Pops in early '70s Scotland. His 1979 appearance on 'Saturday Night Live' with Klaus Nomi and Joey Arias may have been the most impactful thing I ever saw in my development as an artist. Anyone who knows 'Hedwig' understands it would not exist without him.
You weave Bowie's music together with stories from your own life. Was it difficult deciding which personal moments to share on stage?
I don't actually have scripted moments of my own life on stage. I let the songs do more of the work and talk a bit about how he influenced me and wrote the songs I sing.
The show balances some of Bowie's darker, more apocalyptic songs with moments of hope. Why did that emotional contrast feel important to you?
I'm not interested in anything without hope.
‘Hedwig And The Angry Inch’ has a fascinating connection to Bowie. Looking back now, how much of Hedwig do you think was born from his influence?
As I mention earlier, there would be no Hedwig without his example. And when Bowie saw it Off-Broadway he said to me, "John, you got it right". He invested in the production and lost every penny.
You're joined on stage by Jude York and Amber Martin. What do they each bring to the show that makes it something audiences couldn't experience with you alone?
Amber, whom I sing with often and who was with me in Australia for the inception of the 'The Origin Of Love' tour is a '70s-style rock goddess who blows everyone away with her eclectic taste and powerhouse vocals. Jude, a delicately gorgeous singer, is new to me but when he was suggested I was thrilled to hear him essay some of Bowie's most touching ballads.
Australian audiences have always embraced your work. What are you most looking forward to about bringing this show to Australia?
I'm looking forward to getting the hell out of a country which is on a slow boil to fascism! I always have fun in AU. I very much enjoyed shooting 'Joe vs. Carole' during COVID in Brisbane when I played the Tiger King. I loved the land, the people; your nation is beautiful and fascinating!
After audiences leave the theatre, what's the one feeling or thought you hope stays with them long after the final Bowie song has ended?
That they are not alone.
John Cameron Mitchell Australia 2026 Dates
21 August – Melbourne International Film Festival (25th anniversary screening of 'Hedwig And The Angry Inch')
22-23 August – Festival Of Dangerous Ideas (Sydney)
6 September – Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
9 September – Melbourne Recital Centre
