DEAR SON presented by Queensland Theatre Tickets
About DEAR SON
Letters and reflections from First Nations fathers and sons.
Author, editor and proud Kaurareg, Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man Thomas Mayo invited 12 Indigenous men to write a letter to their son, father or nephew in a gentle and honest compendium of love and reflection.
The celebration of First Nations manhood featured 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.
In 2025, renowned First Nations theatre makers Isaac Drandic (37, Dear Brother) and John Harvey (Spear, Black Ties) adapt these deeply personal letters into a powerful world premiere, alongside leading First Nations actors 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).
Through story and song, Dear Son is a landmark Australian work that honours the rich traditions and wisdoms of fathers passed down through generations, whilst exploring the challenges faced by First Nations men today. In this hand-penned message of resilience and joy for our First Nations future, witness the importance of family, the power of culture and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Dear Son is deeply moving, simply unmissable theatre that speaks straight to the heart and reminds you: there is no shame in love, in softness, in being seen.
Venue
Bille Brown Theatre
Accessibility
Queensland Theatre is committed to making their performances accessible to all theatre lovers.
For full access information and a visual story for the Bille Brown theatre, please view the Queensland Theatre Accessibility Guide.
Directions
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY BUS: The 86 bus route is a free South Brisbane bus loop service offered by Translink, that delivers you meters from the theatre's front door.
BY CAR: There is paid car parking available in the surrounding streets.
More information about DEAR SON
“An immensely compelling, thought-provoking and emotionally affecting piece of theatre.” - The Scoop
"Do yourself and your family a favour … come and see this play.” – Westender
“A brilliant piece of storytelling, delivered with warmth, humility, and infectious humour.” - Brisbane Stage
“Jimi Bani, Waangenga Blanco, Trevor Jamieson, Kirk Page, and Aaron Pedersen are extraordinary storytellers.” – Westender
“A powerful piece of theatre that deserves full houses every night.” - The Blurb
"Being open, talking up, yarning… this book is about dispelling the stereotype around what masculinity is for First Nations men." — Tara June Winch, Miles Franklin Award-winning author of The Yield
Based on the book by: Thomas Mayo
Co-Adaptors: Isaac Drandic & John Harvey
Director: Isaac Drandic
Cast: Jimi Bani & Trevor Jamieson
Night with the Artists: Tuesday 8 July 6.30pm | Auslan Interpreted: Friday 18 July 7.30pm | Audio Described: Friday 18 July 7.30pm, Saturday 19 July 2.00pm | Tactile Tour: Friday 18 July 7.30pm, Saturday 19 July 2.00pm (90 mins before)
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