Nathan Maynard’s script on the conflict over Tasmanian Aboriginal identity is anchored by several almost shouted monologues from Calen Tassone as Boyd, the respected but uncompromising Indigenous caretaker of the lands around Oyster Bay.

Boyd’s attentions towards his pregnant wife, Nala (Jessie Ward), are interrupted when the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania engineers the repatriation of “King Billy” William Lanne’s remains for an on Country cremation presided over by Boyd.

Gracie (Aimee Honor) arrives suspiciously with a cover story about researching the monster who dismembered Lanne in 1869. Gracie shares a past with Nala, drinking goon in public parks. Boyd’s cousin Daniel (Jarrad Inman), recently returned to Country, courts Gracie.

Aimee Honor in Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s At What Cost? Photo © Daniel J Grant

Unspecified in the script is that, until 2016, a different standard of proof was applied in Tasmania to access Aboriginal services than in other states. Now, as in all states, Aboriginal definitions are “not to be applied rigidly and require neither archival nor historical records”. Those who “self-identify” using a form are “able to access Indigenous-specific Commonwealth programs”. The legislation notes, however, that “confirmation of Aboriginality is...