Carrying the Fire

Written by Lauren Appo

It’s 1968 and war is raging in Vietnam.

Tens of thousands of Australian troops are at the frontline – on land, over sea and in the air.

So too are a small but mighty contingent of entertainers, dispatched to keep morale high and provide a brief distraction from the theatre of war.

Among them was an entertainer with a familial connection to actor and Queensland Theatre Company Indigenous Reference Group member, Aunty Roxanne McDonald.

“My cousin was a go-go dancer who went over to Vietnam to entertain the soldiers. She even met and married a US serviceman!” McDonald says of her late cousin.

So, it’s with keen anticipation she waits for the stage lights to rise again on The Sapphires and illuminate the brilliant young First Nations women stepping into the shoes of the powerhouse performers at the centre of the story.

The uplifting play centres on four Yorta Yorta women – sisters Laurel Robinson and Lois Peeler and their cousins, Beverly Briggs and Naomi Mayers – who made history when they sang powerful soul music to soldiers in Vietnam.

Their story is one of resilience, Tidda-hood and the transformational power of music.

In a world grappling with political unrest, racial injustice and war, The Sapphires returns, reminding us of the spirit of those women and how the truths they carried still shine.

“I think this story has endured because it was truly groundbreaking; it’s a story that captures hearts and minds and really uplifts people,” McDonald says.

“The Sapphires is such a positive and upbeat look into the lives of First Nations women and how they overcame such struggles. This is a story that couldn’t be shared at the time these beautiful women did such remarkable things overseas because of how our people were still viewed.

“This is a timeless story, a positive story, that will bring people together and share a proud moment in our history that is relevant for First Nations people and all Australians.”

Guided by creative powerhouses Tony Briggs and Wesley Enoch, Queensland Theatre Company’s new production is more than a revival; it’s a cultural celebration, a truth-telling theatre and a vibrant call to joy.

Together, they’re shaping a production that honours the past while celebrating the future, a future embodied by the next generation of bright, shining stars.

It is also an homage to family, with playwright Briggs honouring his mother, Laurel, by immortalising her and her place in First Nations history in this multi-award-winning play and its hit film adaptation.

“Tony captures the story of his family and helps us all shine a light on the amazing achievements of Blak women through the ages," says Enoch, a director renowned for his bold and theatrical storytelling. "These women are sassy, beautiful, tough, talented and know how to fight for justice and celebrate their culture.”

This is a timeless story, a positive story, that will bring people together and share a proud moment in our history.

— Aunty Roxanne McDonald Elder in Residence

“It’s a great night at the theatre and a great night of honouring our history to build a better future.”

It’s been more than 20 years since The Sapphires made its stage debut, with a 2011 film reigniting interest in the feel-good story.

Queensland Theatre Company’s Head of First Nations Theatre, Isaac Drandić, offers a powerful lens on why The Sapphires is a vital element of Season 2026.

“I wanted this season to honour and celebrate Aboriginal women. After masculine-heavy works like 37, Dear Brother and Dear Son, it felt right, culturally and artistically, to balance the energy with the feminine,” Drandić explains.

“From a cultural perspective, it’s the proper thing to do; from an artistic perspective, it’s the perfect chance to elevate Queensland’s phenomenal First Nations talent and sing up a glittery storm.

“I can’t wait for audiences to be swept up in the music, spirit and joy of this story. You’ll fall in love with The Sapphires, I already have!”

Drandić’s words echo the broader vision of the season and really speak to me as someone who devours books like a soldier on the front line.

I’ve often found myself behind enemy lines, reading stories of First Nations peoples steeped in sorrow.

Too often, the characters are broken, stereotyped and stripped of joy. But The Sapphires offers something different: an inspiring glimpse into real Aboriginal lives. Real problems. Real talent.

It sings with strength, resilience and joy: something the pages too often forget to show.

The four First Nations artists stepping into the shoes of the central characters remain a closely guarded secret for now but represent fresh voices and exciting new talent.

McDonald is brimming with excitement to see the next generation of performers breathe new life into these beloved characters.

“It’s always been my dream and my hope to have these young ones take up the torch and continue telling our stories,” she says with pride. “They’re going to bring a different energy and beautiful voices to the roles – to be part of something so big feels so profound for all of us.”

“My advice to them is ‘don’t hold back’. Don’t be afraid of taking on such big roles; just be yourselves and make them your own.

“They’re telling a story for all of us mob and for all of Australia – and they’ll be brilliant!”

And with every note they sing, every step they dance and every story they tell, they’ll remind us that the spirit of The Sapphires is alive, evolving and more radiant than ever.

This production is truth-telling at its finest. It’s a reminder that our culture, and our deep love for it, sustains us through life’s most challenging moments.

It’s a celebration of the enduring spirit of Aboriginal women then, now and always.

So, mark your calendars. The Sapphires is not just a highlight of Season 2026; it’s an unmissable event.

Come for the music, stay for the message and leave with your heart full.