Title And Deed
The premiere performance in 2012 of Will Eno’s Title And Deed was in New York and featured a white Irish actor in the solo role of ‘The Traveller’. Subsequent productions have almost always cast a white anglo male in the role. In Belvoir Theatre’s current staging, however, the part is being played by indigenous actor Jimi Bani.
Given the play’s title, the character’s description (“a foreigner”) and the very first line of the monologue – “I’m not from here. I guess I never will be” – casting an indigenous actor gives the script additional, ironic layers of meaning.
Bani, who grew up on a Torres Strait Island, uses his experience of moving to Sydney to help inform his portrayal.
“I thought: ‘it’s like you [himself] in the city, in the big smoke, you know, everything is different.’”
In terms of adapting the script, Bani says there was no need: “The more you delve into it the more you find the writing is…universal.”
The monologue is a series of anecdotes and musings recounted by The Traveller, who occasionally summons imaginary participants to help with some of the details. He is articulate and analytical, and, as Bani puts it, a “word nerd”.
Bani is enjoying the challenge of solo performance, especially because he is working with long time colleague and friend, director Jada Alberts, who also has indigenous heritage.
Bani says he and Alberts both have the same penchant for detail and deep scrutiny, and because of their existing relationship they work quickly and intuitively.
Being the only actor affords some leeway to continuously experiment with and explore the character.
“I do expect it to evolve dramatically,” says Bani.
So is it better to see the show at the beginning or end of the season? Bani suggests both. (RB)
Until Nov 6. Downstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $25-$48. Tickets & info: www.belvoir.com.au or (02) 9699 3444
BY RITA BRATOVICH
