Namatjira

So my wife and I were invited to see a play called Namatjira. It is about a man named Elea, a.k.a Albert Namatjira. Elea was an Indigenous Australian who became known for his watercolour paintings of the Outback. He was the first Indigenous person to become a citizen of Australia. The play stars 3 of Elea's actual family members (two grandchildren and a niece).

Namatjira is a quirky play about this man's life. The man who stars as Elea also plays Rex and other characters as well as being the narrator. The idea of the play is to allow the audience to take life's journey with Elea. And it is a journey of heart break. The characters interact with the audience to a degree, which at times pulls your attention out of the play, but the rest of the play is written so well that, as an audience member, I felt like a participant in a great work.


I loved the play. I turned to one of the people we went with and said "When art changes the way you view culture, THAT is good art." That is exactly what this play did. It placed you in Elea's position, when in reality, as a middle class family heading to your local theatre, you are on the opposite side of the story.


If the play rolls around to your area, take the time to see it, you will not be disappointed


Here is a proper and lengthy review:
Theatre Notes Blog
 
Picture from Belvoir St. Theatre @ belvoir.com.au