Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with the talented team behind Dear Son, a deeply moving stage adaptation directed by Isaac Drandic. Prepare to be captivated by a blend of courageous storytelling and emotional depth as these letters flow beautifully on stage.
About Dear Son
What is this Production about?
The show Dear Son, is based on the book called Dear Son by Thomas Mayo. It’s a show that’s been adapted into a stage play written by John Harvey and Isaac Drandic, and directed by Isaac Drandic. Thomas Mayo invited 13 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander men, including himself, to write a letter to their sons and fathers.
In the show, we have 5 men, actors on stage and we bring these letters to life.
What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
One of the challenges was making sure we honour all the letters in a theatrical structure of storytelling. They are so personal and powerful that we worked really hard to take care of and share the bravery of these courageous men and us creatives in production as fathers and sons. And through the whole process it’s been an honour to be a apart of and healing personally as a father and son.
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
I’ve been apart of the first workshop and read the book and always wanted to work with Isaac as a director. We’ve worked together on Romeo & Juliet many moons ago hahaha, I think it was 2008 STC production as actors, but it was well overdue. And also, as an indigenous storyteller, I feel it’s my responsibility to be apart of this production when it was offered.
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
They will be thinking about all the men in their lives.
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
How much they are connected to these stories.
How is this production bringing something new to this story?
You will see 5 men on stage on a beautiful set having a yarn, and when I say yarn, I mean deep yarn. With the letters flowing through us.
Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?
To book tickets to Dear Son, please visit https://belvoir.com.au/productions/dear-son/.
Thank you so much for sharing your insights and passion with us. Wishing you all the best as you bring the heartfelt stories of Dear Son to the stage, and may your performance move audiences far and wide. Break a leg!
Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.
