Following their 2022 hit for Belvoir, At What Cost?, writer Nathan Maynard and director Isaac Drandic reunite for this play commissioned by MTC and co-produced with Queensland Theatre.

Physically energetic, funny and discomforting, 37 is named for the number worn by AFL player Adam Goodes, who was the centre of a national, public racism saga a decade ago. It tackles relations between black and white Australia through a story about a country Aussie Rules footy club.

Melbourne Theatre Company’s 37. Photo © Pia Johnson

37 takes place during the cellar-dweller team’s turnaround season. Two talented Aboriginal players have joined The Currawongs (a notable name choice given most footy clubs’ animal mascots are non-indigenous). Sonny and Jayma are welcomed by the players and coach, known as The General.

The way he talks, winning the grand final is an almost mystical experience, and it’s apparent the town is heavily invested – sometimes literally through sponsorship – in the team raising the premiership cup. This is in contrast to the play’s prologue, about Aussie Rules football’s likely inspiration, the Aboriginal game of marngrook, played for the love of it with no scores.

Keeping its focus...