Dear Son

A message of love, hope and healing.

Along with his own vivid and poignant prose and poetry, author and editor Thomas Mayo, co-author of The Voice to Parliament Handbook and Kaurareg, Kalkalgal and Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man, invited 12 contributors to write a letter to their son, father or nephew, bringing together a range of perspectives that offered a celebration of First Nations manhood.

Featuring letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, John Liddle, Charlie King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore, Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe and Blak Douglas, what resulted was a gentle, honest and loving book for families from anywhere in the world.

In 2025, renowned First Nations theatre makers, Isaac Drandic (At What Cost?) and John Harvey (Heart is a Wasteland) will adapt these letters into a world premiere theatre work, and starring leading First Nations actors including Jimi Bani and Trevor Jamieson, that will open your eyes and your heart.

Through story, through music, Dear Son will be a groundbreaking theatrical event that will honour the rich traditions and wisdoms of fathers passed down through generations, while also exploring the challenges faced by First Nations men today and the importance of family, the power of culture and the enduring
strength of the human spirit.

As Thomas writes to his father: “We were the first builders, craftsmen, storytellers, artists, fishermen, hunters, scientists, inventors, explorers, farmers, engineers, warriors, and healers… We are still all these things and so much more. We are a continuum of proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men – the fathers of the longest surviving culture on earth. And now, Dad, as your hard exterior becomes brittle with age, I feel you. As dusk reaches your eyes – eyes that were too bright to look upon in my youth – I see you. I understand you, Dad. I love you. I will always be your dear son.”

“Being open, talking up, yarning… This book is about dispelling the stereotype around what masculinity is for First Nations men” – Tara June Winch, author

CONTENT
Discussions of racism, trauma, deceased persons, coarse language and adult themes.

More information will be available closer to the show.

State Theatre Company South Australia’s 2025 Subscription Packages are now on sale!

Package 4-6 Plays from our main season to access the best seats in the house, discounted ticket prices and exclusive benefits. Plus, get priority access and discounts for our Add-on show and Stateside program.

Click here for information on how to Subscribe.

Single tickets will be available to purchase from 2 December 2024.

Audio Described Performances and Pre-Show Briefing for blind and vision impaired patrons
Saturday, 9 August, 1.00pm (briefing), 2.00pm (performance)
Monday, 11 August, 5.30pm (briefing), 6.30pm (performance), with a post-show Q&A

Wheelchair access & Companion Cards
Wheelchair accessible seats, companion cards and other accessible bookings can be made via phone on 08 8415 5353 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm), or via email at tickets@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

Visit the Access page for more information on our Access Program.

Tangent Talk
Get the story behind the story with our Tangent Talk series at the State Library of South Australia. Before you see the show, join us for a drink and panel discussion.
– Monday, 16 June, 5.30pm

Subscriber Briefing
2025 Subscribers are invited to join us for an exclusive Subscriber Briefing to learn more about the creation of the show.
– Tuesday, 22 July, 6.00pm

Post Show Q&As
We hold Q&As with our artists and creative teams so that you can ask questions about the production.
– Monday, 11 August

A Date with State
Supported by the Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card, join us for our 2024 A Date With State program, with pre-show tea and coffee before the performance and a post-show Q&A.
– Wednesday, 13 August, 12.00pm (pre-show tea and coffee), 1.00pm (performance)

State Theatre Company South Australia is offering two school performances as part of our season of Dear Son. Visit the State Educate resources page for the Study Guide and What to Expect.

School performances
Odeon Theatre

• Tuesday 29 July 11.00am
• Wednesday 6 August 11.00am

Check performance availability here

Complete booking form here

Any enquiries should be directed to education@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

This show will be performed at the Odeon Theatre at 57a Queen Street, Norwood SA 5067.

Parking
Located at 57a Queen Street, Norwood, there is a range of free street parking options around the Theatre and in sections of side streets of Norwood. Time limited parking options are available on The Parade and car park facilities are available at several locations in Norwood. Click here for details.

Please make sure you plan your journey to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the performance start time as it can take more than 10 minutes to find a park, get to the Theatre and be seated in time.

There is a loading zone at the front entrance of the Theatre which can be used as an accessible drop off point.

Public Transport

Bus Stop 10 The Parade – North Side

Bus Stop 10 The Parade – South Side

Pre and Post-Show Dining

The Parade in Norwood offers a wide variety of dining options, from fast food to pubs to restaurants.

–The Cinnamon Club Indian Cuisine: Open from 5pm and across the street from the theatre.

–The Bath Hotel: Restaurant and casual pub dining open from 5pm Tuesday – Sunday, located right next to the theatre.

–Hanamura Norwood: Japanese restaurant open from 5pm, opposite the cinema on The Parade, less than 5 mins walk from the theatre.