Dear Son at Odeon Theatre

A message of love, hope and healing.

Along with his own vivid and poignant prose and poetry, author and editor Thomas Mayo, co-author of The Voice to Parliament Handbook and Kaurareg, Kalkalgal and Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man, invited 12 contributors to write a letter to their son, father or nephew, bringing together a range of perspectives that offered a celebration of First Nations manhood.

Featuring letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, John Liddle, Charlie King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore, Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe and Blak Douglas, what resulted was a gentle, honest and loving book for families from anywhere in the world.

In 2025, renowned First Nations theatre makers, Isaac Drandic (At What Cost?) and John Harvey (Heart is a Wasteland) will adapt these letters into a world premiere theatre work, and starring leading First Nations actors including Jimi Bani and Trevor Jamieson, that will open your eyes and your heart.

Through story, through music, Dear Son will be a groundbreaking theatrical event that will honour the rich traditions and wisdoms of fathers passed down through generations, while also exploring the challenges faced by First Nations men today and the importance of family, the power of culture and the enduringstrength of the human spirit.