A message of love, hope and healing
Along with his own vivid and poignant prose and poetry, author and
editor Thomas Mayo, co-author of The Voice to Parliament Handbook and Kaurareg, Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres
Strait Islander man, invited 12
contributors to write a letter to their son, father or nephew, bringing
together a range of perspectives that offered a celebration of First Nations
manhood.
Featuring letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, John Liddle, Charlie
King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore,
Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe and Blak Douglas, what resulted was a gentle,
honest and loving book for families from anywhere in the world.
In 2025, renowned First Nations theatre makers, Isaac Drandic (At
What Cost?) and John Harvey (Heart is a Wasteland) will adapt these
letters into a world premiere theatre work, starring leading First Nations actors including Jimi Bani (Every
Brilliant Thing, Who’s
Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) and Trevor Jamieson, that will open your eyes and your heart.
Through
story, through music, DEAR SON (Letters and Reflections from First Nations fathers and
sons) will be a groundbreaking theatrical event
that will honour the rich traditions and wisdoms of fathers passed down through
generations, while also exploring the challenges faced by First Nations men
today and the importance of family, the power of culture and the enduring
strength of the human spirit.
As Thomas writes to his father: “We were the first builders,
craftsmen, storytellers, artists, fishermen, hunters, scientists, inventors,
explorers, farmers, engineers, warriors, and healers… We are still all these
things and so much more. We are a continuum of proud Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander men – the fathers of the longest surviving culture on earth.
And now, Dad, as your hard exterior becomes brittle with age, I feel you. As
dusk reaches your eyes – eyes that were too bright to look upon in my youth – I
see you. I understand you, Dad. I love you. I will always be your dear son.”
“Being open, talking up, yarning… This book is about
dispelling the stereotype around what masculinity is for First Nations men.” Tara June Winch, author
DEAR SON (Letters and Reflections from First Nations fathers and
sons) will play at the Odeon Theatre from 25 July – 16 August 2025.
Complete the form below to join the waitlist and receive an SMS or email when tickets become available.