Jane Harrison’s The Visitors shows the resilience of First Nations people after the referendum outcome, writes Tilly Kidd.
The Visitors, a critically acclaimed and thought-provoking play by Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison, will be staged at the IPAC from October 25 to 28. Reimagining the arrival of the First Fleet on the 26 January 1788 from the perspective of First Nations Elders, the play is a significant contribution to Australian theatre. Its message is particularly critical in the current political climate, following the recent outcome of the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to parliament.
In The Flame’s conversation with Jane, she acknowledged the cast and their bravery in performing this week.
“The actors are courageous in getting up and delivering this material given the reality of the No vote. They are strong and resilient and empowered, and that’s what the play is really about.”
The Visitors has been in development for many years, tracing back to notes kept in her garage since 2007, Jane said. Her initial inspiration for the play stemmed from the Northern Territory Intervention, and the way it “problematised” Aboriginal men, creating further stigmatisation.
The structure of the play was then informed by Reginald Rose’s Twelve Angry Men, an intriguing American courtroom drama featuring an all-male cast. Jane’s creative process also involved an extensive amount of historical research.
“I read a lot of the journals of the First Fleet, and particularly those talking about contact with First Nations people … and history books on the early days of settlement, down to the weather patterns. Also a hanging that took place on land three weeks after settlement,” she said.
Jane’s writing style frequently balances poignant and confronting scenes with comedic moments to evoke a powerful emotional response. She spoke about the journey that she wants to take audiences on with her plays, and how humour is an important theatrical tool to convey First Nations perspectives and experiences.
“Whenever you get blackfellas together there is lots of laughter. I think it is part of our coping mechanism for dealing with harsh truths in this world and that is part of our resilience."
The lighter moments in the play also serve to underscore the enduring strength of First Nations people.
“I wanted this play to be optimistic about our survival, our grace and our dignity.”
In this revised production of The Visitors, directed by Wesley Enoch, two of the elders are played by female actors, recognising the significant leadership role that women play in the Aboriginal community.
Another change that has been made since the 2020 premiere is the incorporation of Dharug language at the beginning of the play, which seamlessly segues into English. This directing choice was made by Wesley in the first couple of weeks of rehearsals, adding another dimension to the production.
“I think it is a beautiful offering to an audience to hear that language spoken again."
The Visitors is on this week at the IPAC from 25-28 October, book tickets here.
