Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch is returning to direct 'The Sapphires' more than two decades after first helming the original stage production, bringing a new generation of Indigenous performers into one of Australia's most recognised theatre works.

Mr Enoch is one of the country's best-known theatre figures, with a long career as a director, playwright and artistic leader.

Written by Tony Briggs, 'The Sapphires' follows four young Yorta Yorta women from regional Victoria whose Supremes-inspired singing group is discovered by a city talent scout before they head to Vietnam to perform for American troops.

This new production features Queensland Theatre debuts from Ruby Henaway (Aboriginal/South Sea Islander) as Cynthia, Aurora Liddle-Christie (Arrernte/Jamaican) as Kay, Tehya Makani (Yawuru, Wadjarri, Pitjanjarra and Wadjuk Noongar) as Julie and Taeg Twist (Birri Gubba and Ngāpuhi) as Gail.

For Mr Enoch, returning to the production meant revisiting a story which has grown into a classic since he first directed it in 2004.

He sees the work as part of a longer history of Indigenous ambition and achievement, grounded in the real experiences of Tony Briggs' mother, Laurel Robinson and the women who inspired the story.

Mr Enoch told National Indigenous Times truth remained central to the production's impact.

"The fact that it's a true story is really important because it just puts it into context that our women, our people have been doing these kind of ambitious, big things for decades," he said.

"And this is one of those plays, a really classic play that lifts everyone up and says, there is a future.

"We just have to work harder to achieve it."

That perspective also shapes how he views the play in 2026.

Mr Enoch linked the return of 'The Sapphires' to a period of uncertainty following the 2023 referendum defeat, saying the story still carried force because it pushed back against the idea that Aboriginal people were a problem to be solved.

He said the production instead put strength and possibility at the centre.

"This notion that the Aboriginal problem, whatever that is... we are just not the problem," Mr Enoch said.

"We are the solution to almost every problem this country is facing.

"And the more we can celebrate our powerful voices, the better."

Part of the show's staying power lies in its setting.

Mr Enoch said audiences were drawn to the late 1960s not only because of the music and style, but because it recalled a period when the country felt like it was moving forward.

He said that sense of cultural change remained one of the reasons the story continued to connect.

"There's something about the nostalgia for the period," Mr Enoch said.

"But it's also a nostalgia for the music.

"There's this nostalgic moment when we could stand together and we could dance and sing together."

The soundtrack remains one of the production's main drawcards.

Mr Enoch described it as music born from the height of Motown and from a period which helped shape generations of female performers who followed.

He said the songs still resonate because audiences can hear that influence in contemporary music.

"It's the music of the period," Mr Enoch said.

"It's the birth of the Black Diva as well.

"When people hear these songs, they go 'oh yeah, I can hear how this music inspired a whole lot of powerful female voices into the present day.'"

Mr Enoch's return has also provided him the opportunity to work alongside a younger cast stepping into a well-known story.

He said watching the four women in rehearsal had been one of the most rewarding parts of the production.

"It's no longer about you. It's about the next generation and how you're supporting them," Mr Enoch said.

"And these four women, gee, they're deadly.

"Our job isn't to control the situation. Our job is to enable the next generation."

For audiences, the production is designed as both a celebration and a reminder of what Indigenous storytelling can hold.

Mr Enoch said the show offered a strong night of music and performance while carrying a message about black excellence, ambition and pride.

"People should come and have a good time," Mr Enoch said.

"We need good times now. We need to celebrate."

'The Sapphires' — a Queensland Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre co-production — will play at Brisbane's Bille Brown Theatre from April 28 to May 24.

Tricket are available via the Queensland Theatre website.