In this powerful new production of her breakout first play, Jada Alberts transports us to her hometown in Darwin with the Melbourne and Adelaide premieres of Brothers Wreck – a gut-wrenching portrayal of a grief-stricken family whose love for each other knows no limits.
Ruben is full of anger and dancing on the edge, struggling to cope with his cousin’s death. As Darwin swelters, tensions in the house are high as Ruben slips further and further adrift from all those around him: his counsellor, his best mate, his sister, his beloved Aunty. When the summer storm finally breaks, the family must pull together and find the strength to bring Ruben back from the brink.
Brothers Wreck is a confronting and honest exploration of grief and loss, which asks the questions: how do you get alienated young men to talk about what troubles them? How do you get through to them? How do you save them?
Under the direction of Jada Alberts, Brothers Wreck features an all-star Indigenous cast including Trevor Jamieson (The Season), Nelson Baker (The Warriors), Lisa Flanagan (Australian Rules), Leonie Whyman (Black Comedy) and Dion Williams (Gallipoli).
Winner of the 2013 Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Playwright’s Award, Jada Alberts, is an actor and theatre-maker with a powerful voice and a clear vision to tell the stories of her community. She is one of a growing group of young Indigenous artists who have looked to each other as much as to their elders for inspiration.
Brothers Wreck emerges from the gathering voices of this new generation to tell a deeply current story of the reality of life for many Indigenous families.
“From the desperate urgency of its opening scene this play grabs you and doesn’t let you go.” – The Australian
Director: Jada Alberts Featuring: Nelson Baker, Lisa Flanagan, Trevor Jamieson, Leonie Whyman, Dion Williams Set & Costume Design: Dale Ferguson Lighting Design: Chris Petridis Composition and Sound Design: Kelly Ryall Associate Artist: Adena Jacobs Vocal Coach: Suzanne Heywood Stage Manager: Josh Sherrin Assistant Stage Manager: Matilda Woodroofe
Brothers Wreck
Merlyn Theatre – The Coopers Malthouse, Sturt Street, Southbank
Season: 14 – 23 June 2018
Information and Bookings: www.malthousetheatre.com.au
Odeon Theatre, Corner Queen Street and The Parade, Norwood (South Australia)
Season: 27 June – 14 July 2018
Information and Bookings: www.statetheatrecompany.com.au
Image: Jada Alberts – photo by James Hartley
Note: Brothers Wreck contains strong coarse language and references to alcohol abuse, mental illness, self-harm and suicide. Recommended for a mature audience, ages 15+. If this production raises any issues for you, please contact Lifeline or beyondblue.