Queensland Theatre | DEAR SON
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DEAR SON

Letters and reflections from First Nations fathers and sons

Based on the book by Thomas Mayo
Adapted by Isaac Drandic and John Harvey
Directed by Isaac Drandic

A hand-penned message of affection, togetherness and joy for our First Nations future. Author, editor and proud Kaurareg, Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man Thomas Mayo invited 12 Indigenous men to write a letter to their son, father or nephew in a gentle and honest c...

A hand-penned message of affection, togetherness and joy for our First Nations future.

Author, editor and proud Kaurareg, Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man Thomas Mayo invited 12 Indigenous men to write a letter to their son, father or nephew in a gentle and honest compendium of love and reflection.

The celebration of First Nations manhood featured letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, Johnny Liddle, Charlie King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore, Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe and Blak Douglas.

In 2025, renowned First Nations theatre makers Isaac Drandic (37, Dear Brother) and John Harvey (Spear, Black Ties) adapt these deeply personal letters into a powerful world premiere, alongside leading First Nations actors Jimi Bani (Othello, My Name Is Jimi) and Trevor Jamieson (The Secret River, Storm Boy).

Through story and music, Dear Son honours the rich traditions and wisdoms of fathers passed down through generations, interrogating the challenges faced by First Nations men and honouring the importance of family, the power of culture and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

"Being open, talking up, yarning… this book is about dispelling the stereotype around what masculinity is for First Nations men."

— Tara June Winch, Miles Franklin Award-winning author of The Yield

  • Dates
    28 Jun – 19 Jul 2025
  • Location
    Bille Brown Theatre
  • Times
    Evenings: Mon – Wed 6.30pm, Thu – Sat 7.30pm
    Matinees: Wed 1.00pm, Sat 2.00pm
  • Buy Season Tickets
  • Ticket Pricing
    Adult Single Tickets
    from
    $70
    Concession Single Tickets
    from
    $68
    35 & Under Single Tickets
    from
    $35
  • Night with the Artists

    Tue 8 Jul 6.30pm

  • Accessibility
    Auslan Interpreted Fri 18 Jul 7.30pm
    Audio Described Fri 18 Jul 7.30pm & Sat 19 Jul 2.00pm
  • Play briefing

    Mon 23 Jun 6.00pm

  • Warning

    Ages 14+

    Ages 14+

  • Dates
    28 Jun – 19 Jul 2025
  • Location
    Bille Brown Theatre
  • Times
    Evenings: Mon – Wed 6.30pm, Thu – Sat 7.30pm
    Matinees: Wed 1.00pm, Sat 2.00pm
  • Buy Season Tickets
  • Ticket Pricing
    Adult Single Tickets
    from
    $70
    Concession Single Tickets
    from
    $68
    35 & Under Single Tickets
    from
    $35
  • Night with the Artists

    Tue 8 Jul 6.30pm

  • Accessibility
    Auslan Interpreted Fri 18 Jul 7.30pm
    Audio Described Fri 18 Jul 7.30pm & Sat 19 Jul 2.00pm
  • Play briefing

    Mon 23 Jun 6.00pm

  • Warning

    Ages 14+

    Ages 14+

Creatives

Co-Adaptors Isaac Drandic and John Harvey
Director Isaac Drandic

Cast

Jimi Bani
Trevor Jamieson

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