The subject of Nathan Maynard’s AT WHAT COST? is identity, indigenous identity to be specific.
The main character Boyd is a proud Palawa man living in the township of Lutrawita in Tasmania. His mob, his people, have struggled to make then best of their lives since colonisation.
Boyd is a in a happy marriage and his wife is pregnant with their first child. He is very protective of his current life.
There’s one thing that he can’t stand. Every year more and more people are claiming to be Palawanese. They are folk no-one’s heard of until now, who haven’t been around before. Are they legit? Or are they ‘tick a box’ people?
Boyd receives news that the body of a tribal elder is being returned to the community for a traditional cremation. He spends all his spare time preparing the funeral pyre.
Meanwhile his young knockabout cousin Daniel is living with him. Daniel has befriended Gracie, a young woman who has been living in a tent on the town’s outskirts.
Daniel asks Boyd if Gracie can move in with him. Boyd doesn’t want her too. She is a stranger. What will his mob say? What if her intentions are untrue? Daniel and Gracie shack up together against his wishes. Things go awry from there.
A great creative team is headlined by Director Isaac Drandic with Maynard being his Assistant. Jacob Nash’s set depicts a ramshackle country town. There are some great moments in Chloe Ogilvie’s lighting design as there is in Brendon Boney and David Bergman’s soundscape.
The play is a four hander with each cast member giving an excellent portrayal.
Luke Carroll is outstanding in the lead as the militant, uncompromising Boyd.
Sandy Greenwood plays his protective wife Nala who worries that her husband’s fiery, proud nature will be his undoing.
Ari Maza Long plays Boyd’s good natured but naive cousin Daniel.
Alex Malone plays Gracie, a feisty young woman who inveigles her way into their lives
This play is one from the heart. The playwright is himself a Palawanese man.
Belvoir Theatre Company’s production of Nathan Maynard’s AT WHAT COST? is playing upstairs at Belvoir Street Theatre until the 20th February 2022.
Featured image : Alex Malone and Ari Maza Long in ‘At What Cost?’ Pic Brett Boardman