Heartfelt and revealing letters from First Nations fathers to their sons will come alive on stage this month in Dear Son, a vivid new theatre work based on author and activist Thomas Mayo’s book of the same name.
Staged at Odeon Theatre from 26 July to 16 August, the co-production from State Theatre Company South Australia and Queensland Theatre will star Jimi Bani (Othello, My Name is Jimi), Waangenga Blanco (37, Patyegarang), Trevor Jamieson (The Secret River, Storm Boy), Kirk Page (Black Diggers, Redfern Now) and Aaron Pedersen (Cost of Living, Mystery Road), under the direction of Isaac Drandic.
Drandic, who adapted Mayo’s book with John Harvey, says the performers’ connection to the piece, told through story and song, runs deep. “I chose actors who are senior and fathers – men with life experience and a deep emotional connection to the stories being told. Their wisdom brings a powerful depth to the work,” he said.
“This isn’t just a performance; it’s ceremonial. With a cast that includes singers, dancers, and actors, the show weaves together different forms of expression in a way that’s grounded, heartfelt, and true to the spirit of the text,” said Drandic.
Published in 2021, Mayo’s book is a literary celebration of First Nations manhood, culture and family, featuring letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, Johnny Liddle, Charlie King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore, Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe and Blak Douglas.
“It was an inspired idea to adapt Thomas Mayo’s Dear Son into a piece of theatre,” said State Theatre Company South Australia Artistic Director, Petra Kalive. “It’s a profound exploration of First Nations fatherhood, culture, and resilience.”
“This combination – Thomas Mayo, Isaac Drandic and John Harvey – and the fabulous creative team they have assembled, is honestly unbeatable. We don’t see many Australian stories that centre fatherhood, especially from a First Nations perspective.”
“State Theatre Company South Australia is so proud to be partnering with Queensland Theatre on what promises to be a powerful and unmissable work – one that celebrates the strength and vulnerability of Indigenous men, challenges stereotypes, and invites deeper understanding.”
Through story, through music, Dear Son 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.
Director and Co-Adaptor: Isaac Drandic | Featuring: Jimi Bani, Waangenga Blanco, Trevor Jamieson, Kirk Page, Aaron Pedersen | Co-Adaptor: John Harvey | Set Designer: Kevin O’Brien | Costume Designer: Delvene Cockatoo-Collins | Lighting Designer: David Walters | Video Designer: Craig Wilkinson | Composer and Sound Designer: William Hughes | Choreography and Movement Director: Waangenga Blanco | Associate Lighting Designer: Eben Love | Assistant Construction and Set Designer: Liam Maza | Associate Composer and Sound Designer: Patrick Mau | Assistant Director: Tibian Wyles | Vocal Coach: Marcus Oborn | Stage Manager: Pip Loth | Assistant Stage Managers: Yanni Dubler, Carmen Evans
Dear Son
Odeon Theatre, Queen Street, Norwood (Adelaide)
Season: 26 July – 16 August 2025
Information and Bookings: www.statetheatrecompany.com.au
Image: The Cast of Dear Son – photo by David Kelly