Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company is set to present the Western Australian premiere of 'Brothers Wreck,' written by Jada Alberts, at the Subiaco Arts Centre on July 5.
The play, which will run at the venue until July 20, delves into the profound themes of forgiveness and sorrow, anchored by the story of Ruben; a 21-year-old Aboriginal man grappling with the aftermath of his cousin's tragic suicide on a sweltering morning in Darwin.
As Ruben's family rallies to support him through this harrowing ordeal, the narrative unfolds as a testament to resilience and the enduring bonds that hold families together across generations.
Noongar man and Artistic Director of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, Maitland Schnaars, has a deeply personal connection to the play's themes.
"Sometimes death has the most to teach us about life, and this play is about life," Mr Schnaars said.
He praised Jada Alberts' script for its powerful simplicity, describing it as a series of poignant scenes that deliver a profound message of compassion, understanding, and respect.
"It will get people talking," he adds, highlighting the play's ability to provoke meaningful dialogue about important societal issues.
Discussing his approach to portraying themes of grief and resilience in 'Brothers Wreck,' Mr Schnaars emphasised the importance of honoring the text and finding personal truths within it.
"As a people, we are resilient," he observed, drawing parallels between the strength portrayed on stage and the historical resilience of Indigenous communities.
"We're still here after 200 years of colonisation and dispossession."
Reflecting on his experience directing the production, Mr Schnaars acknowledged the emotional weight of the material.
"I knew it was a heavy piece because I'm asking the actors to go to a dark place," he explained.
To support the cast, he dedicates time each afternoon for a decompression session, ensuring they can navigate the intense emotions of the performance.
"In order to get the best out of the actors, you need to create a safe space," he added, highlighting his commitment to fostering a supportive environment within the production.
Mr Schnaars also addressed the cultural dynamics at play, ensuring inclusivity and respect for traditional roles within Indigenous communities as depicted in Brothers Wreck.
"Traditionally, there's men's and women's business, so we need to create that space within the structure of the company as well," he explained.
Discussing the broader significance of showcasing Indigenous stories in Australian theatre, Mr Schnaars reiterated the transformative power of theatre to illuminate and elevate Indigenous experiences.
"It's a privilege and very humbling," he said, noting that the most rewarding aspect of directing 'Brothers Wreck' has been building a team of artists who trust his vision and are dedicated to bringing this important narrative to life on stage.
'Brothers Wreck' promises to be a powerful, emotional, and transformative night of theatre.
As part of Yirra Yaakin's Two Show Package, audience members can also enjoy discounted tickets to "Operation Boomerang," encouraging a deeper engagement with Indigenous perspectives and stories at the Subiaco Arts Centre this season.
'Brothers Wreck,' will be staged at the Main Auditorium of Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco 6008, from 5 to 20 July 2024.
Previews are on 5 & 6 July, with the opening night on 9 July at 7pm.
Matinees are scheduled for Saturdays, 13 and 20 July at 2pm. A post-show Q&A will be held on 18 July.
There will be an AUSLAN interpreted performance on 17 July and an audio described performance on 13 July at 2pm.
A tactile tour is available before the show on 13 July at 1pm.
