Hannah Belanszky’s debut play, don’t ask what the bird look like, has made its belated world premiere to a standing ovation at Queensland Theatre, co-directed by Roxanne McDonald and Lee Lewis.

A finalist in the 2018–19 Queensland Premier’s Drama Award and initially scheduled as part of Queensland Theatre’s 2022 season, its premiere was postponed due to flooding and related damage to the Bille Brown Theatre. Significantly, McDonald also makes her directorial debut with this production after many years as an accomplished actor and, more recently, as Artistic Elder at Queensland Theatre.

Matilda Brown and Michael Tuahine in Queensland Theatre’s don’t ask what the bird look like. Photo © Brett Boardman

After the sudden loss of her mother, Joan (Matilda Brown) travels to the outback determined to reconnect with her estranged father and find out more about her Aboriginal heritage and connection to country. Mick (Michael Tuahine) is a man of few words and steady routine, who struggles to connect with his adult daughter and to answer the many painful questions she brings with her. Into this household of long silences and clipped conversation comes Pattie (Shakira Clanton), Mick’s partner – loud, foul-mouthed,...