Joan wants her father. She hasn’t seen him since he left her and her Mum when she was just a bit lady. She needs solutions, she needs historical past, she needs to know extra about who she is.
Travelling into nation as distant as it’s unusual to this metropolis lady, Joan finds Mick. He doesn’t converse a lot, and bears little resemblance to the person who taught her to play Scrabble all these years in the past.
But amid the flies, the warmth, the mud and the stillness of this small river city lurk many ghosts and mysteries. Over cups of tea and Scrabble in Mick’s weather-beaten outdated home, Joan is about to find some household secrets and techniques which have been hidden beneath the floor for many years.
“I’m so proud to be given the opportunity to share the story of don’t ask what the bird look like on a main stage like the Bille Brown Theatre. This play is about discovering culture and creating a place within ourselves for that culture to grow,” stated Belanszky.
“By supporting this play, Queensland Theatre has entrusted me with the profound responsibility to contribute to the ever growing story of our state and to touch hearts and minds through the power of storytelling.”
Co-Director and Queensland Theatre Artistic Elder, Roxanne McDonald, is worked up to be amplifying the voice of a younger First Nations artistic. “Nurturing the voices and talents of young First Nations women is not only a cultural responsibility and honour, but also a vitally important mission,” she stated.
“These stories have the power to strengthen our communities and pave the way for future generations to find their voices and celebrate our heritage.”
“The story Hannah has shared in don’t ask what the bird look like is about family and reconnection. It’s something that is universally relatable, but also innately personal. It’s beautiful and I can’t wait to read everything she continues to create in her career,” stated McDonald.
A finalist for the 2018-19 Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, don’t ask what the hen appear to be was postponed in the course of the 2022 Season as a result of floods which devastated Queensland Theatre.
The story is able to come to life with Matilda Brown (The Sapphires) entering into the lead function of Joan, Michael Tuahine (Country Song) enjoying reverse her as Mick and Shakira Clanton (Barbara and the Camp Dogs) as Pattie.
“don’t ask what the bird look like is a gentle, funny, almost gothic tale about land, family and reconnection. It has such a skilled light touch of humour and philosophical undercurrent that speaks volumes for the writing talent in our state,” stated Artistic Director and Co-director, Lee Lewis.
“Hannah is just one remarkable measure of the undeniable quality that our state can produce when our talent is invested in and nurtured. This story deserves to be seen.”
Discounted tickets for the First Nations neighborhood can be found by way of MOBTIX for all performances and all are inspired to hitch Hannah Belanszky and Roxanne McDonald for a Yarning Circle on Tuesday 5 September.
Co-directors: Roxanne McDonald, Lee Lewis | Featuring: Matilda Brown, Shakira Clanton, Michael Tuahine | Set and Costume: Chloe Greaves | Lighting Design: David Walters | Composer/Sound: THE SWEATS | Stage Manager: Angela Roff | Assistant Stage Manager: Tia-Hanee Cleary
don’t ask what the hen appear to be
Bille Brown Theatre, 78 Montague Road, South Brisbane
Season continues to 9 September 2023
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandtheatre.com.au
Image: Shakira Clanton, Matilda Brown and Michael Tuahine in don’t ask what the hen appear to be – picture by Brett Boardman
