Author Thomas Mayo, a proud Torres Strait Islander man, invited 12 Indigenous men, including Troy Cassar-Daly, Blak Douglas, Stan Grant and Johnny Liddle, to write a letter to their son, father or nephew. The heartfelt reflections were published in Mayo’s 2021 book Dear Son, which has now been adapted for the stage by First Nations theatre makers Isaac Drandic and John Harvey. Directed by Drandic and performed by Jimi Bani, Waangenga Blanco, Trevor Jamieson, Kirk Page and Aaron Pederson, Dear Son uses music and storytelling to examine the challenges faced by First Nations men and honours their rich traditions, the power of culture and the strength of the human spirit.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

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.

Through story and music, Dear Son honours the rich traditions and wisdoms of fathers passed down through generations, interrogating the challenges faced by First Nations men and honouring the importance of family, the power of culture and the enduring strength of the human spirit.