Dear Brother is a joyous celebration of young Aboriginal masculinity and a theatre experience that’s memorable and uplifting. Any preconceptions that the subject matter of young First Nations men grappling with what it means to be a man might be rather grim, should be thrown out because this work, presented by Queensland Theatre, is far from that.
The performance has just four people on stage in a minimalist setting (from set designer Kevin O’Brien) that allows for their considerable talents to shine through, with a seamless mixture of dialogue, dance, poetry, song and music. Creators and two of the actors, Lenny Donahue (a Djabuganjdji man) and Tibian Wyles (Girramay and Kalkadoon), have come up with something special that should ensure their future in theatre is a long and successful one.
Both from northern Queensland, the story they have created tells of young men like themselves who, sometimes against expectations and family pressures, leave home to head south to pursue their dreams. In the case of Jazz (Benjin Maza), he wants to study music and faces strong disapproval from his father (the wonderful Kelton Pell in multiple roles), who thinks he should aim to be a basketball star. After all, being a professional sportsman means he’s a real man.
Wyles’s character of Destyn, seems to have a chip on his shoulder when first meeting Jazz, but it’s revealed that he’s dealing with personal challenges that affect his attitude, while Donahue’s character of Ezra tries to balance his own personal ambitions with the responsibilities of being a young father. The young men have to face racism, a system not designed to help them succeed, and stereotypes that threaten to hold them back. But in the end, their bonds as brothers and their strong spiritual roots inspire them to keep striving to live fulfilling lives.
The performance is all brought together in a masterful way by director and Noongar man, Isaac Drandic, with the theatre and TV veteran, Pell, and the three young actors commanding the stage with their combined presence. The dance numbers are exhilarating, with choreography by Waangenga Blanco, who’s done work for Bangarra Dance Theatre.
The work is co-produced by BlakDance, Brisbane’s national industry organisation for First Nations contemporary dancers and choreographers. It’s presented in association with the Brisbane Festival, and promises to be one of the highlights.
Dear Brother plays Bille Brown Theatre, Brisbane until 28 September 2024
Vicki Englund
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Queensland Theatre 2024 season – a preview
- Cost of Living (Qld Theatre) – theatre review
- My Name is Jimi (Belvoir) – theatre review
Vicki Englund is a film, TV and theatre reviewer, a credited TV screenwriter on shows including The Bureau of Magical Things and Home and Away, and a film screenwriter with several projects in development. She was the daily TV reviewer for The Courier Mail for 11 years and has reviewed films and TV for Rave Magazine, Time Off, The Courier Mail and Daily Review.