THEATRE: NAMATJIRA

“Indigenous baby names!” Trevor Jamieson candidly addresses the audience and before beginning the story of Albert Namatjira, setting a lofty mood in the predominantly white audience, poking fun at the trend he imagines might start now that he’s brought it to our attention. Behind him, Kevin Namatjira (Albert’s grandson) completes the mural – a black and white ‘chalk’ sketch of Albert’s famous landscapes. I relish hearing people tell stories about those they love and Jamieson and his co-performer Derek Lynch morph with ease between narrator, Namatjira and a host of other characters, telling Albert’s story with respect and genuine love. The set and lighting design are minimalist but symbolic and versatile, allowing the actors to tell the rich story and audiences to use their intellect and empathy. Few people could admit to never having seen the work of Alfred Namatjira but fewer could admit to knowing the story of the man who walked the precarious line between Aboriginal and Colonised culture. It’s a story we all should know.

Until Nov 7, Belvoir St Upstairs, 25 Belvoir St, Darlinghurst, $57, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au

GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Winsor & Newton arts supplies and Big hArt, we are able to offer a lucky reader one double pass to Namatjira at Belvoir Theatre on Oct 23. Email all your details to win@alternativemediagroup.com by Oct 14 to be in the running.