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

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 and 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.

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.