“Dear Son” is a counterpoint to the pervasive media madness that surrounds us. If you don’t want the world to look like it does at the moment, come and see this play.
Wrap yourself in the manliness of these first nations’ men as they overcome the current stereotypes of toxic masculinity, to openly discuss their love for their fathers and their sons and daughters.
In this world premiere stage performance, the five men demonstrate kindness as they share stories of overcoming real-world challenges. They show the power of a big heart.
By attending this performance, we are imbued with deep hope.
These are real men who care for their families. There is no resentment in them. Their families are their treasure.
Jimi Bani, Waangenga Blanco, Trevor Jamieson, Kirk Page, and Aaron Pedersen are extraordinary storytellers. All are familiar to Australian audiences in the various roles they have played.
Jimi Bani was Eddie Mabo in the television film “Mabo”. In Dear Son, he brings food to the men’s shed, lightening the mood as his mates share their stories of fathering in modern Australia.
Waangenga Blanco, a dancer and choreographer at Bangarra, brought Emeret Lu to his home island, Meriam Mer, in the Torres Strait. In Dear Son, he works with the older men’s bodies, those of initiated men, to tell stories from across the country.
Trevor Jamieson played Fingerbone Bill in the 2019 film, following in the footsteps of David Gulpili. In Dear Son, his music and singing bind the group together, under the corrugated roof of the men’s shed.
Kirk Page, associate director of Northern Rivers Performing Arts, danced with Bangarra and performed in musical theatre and in the television show Mystery Road, among other performances. Kirk shows us the depth of commitment required in parenting and some of the various ways men parent.
Aaron Pedersen, known for his television appearances, including as Cam DeLray in “Jack Irish”, brings the audience the feeling of sitting around the campfire with good friends.
Isaac Drandic directs this play to break the taboo on men talking about their experiences of being alive in Australia.
Based on the book “Dear Son: Letters and Reflections from First Nations Fathers and Sons”, by Thomas Mayo, this adaptation for the stage shows us how men yearn to be kind.
The Men’s Shed setting is familiar. The music and lighting reek of joy.
The spontaneous standing ovation at the end of the performance spoke volumes.
On at the Billie Brown Theatre until 19 July 2025.
Do yourself and your family a favour. Bring them all.
Book here: https://queenslandtheatre.com.au/plays/dear-son
Photos by David Kelly.
Kerry McGovern
