Thumbul
Written by Tom E. Lewis and Mac Gudgeon
Performed by Tom E. Lewis
Directed by John Bolton
Gasworks Theatre, Melbourne, until November 30
Reviewed by Bronwen Beechey
Outside the theatre it was an unseasonably cold and wet night, with howling wind and driving rain providing a constant background. Inside, however, the small audience was being transported to the tropical heat of Arnhem Land as Tom E. Lewis evoked his childhood in the remote Roper River community.
Lewis is best known for his role in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, one of the finest Australian films of the 1970s. It told the true story of a young man, half Aboriginal, half white, whose attempt to be accepted by both cultures leads to tragedy. There are some striking parallels between Lewis' life and the role he played in the film, but the outcome is more hopeful.
Born in 1958 to an Aboriginal mother and absent Welsh father, Lewis was idolised by his family as "Little Munanga [Whitefella]". An outstanding student, he was sent to college in Darwin where suddenly he was a "blackfella". His confusion and unease resulted in his expulsion from college. A father at 13, he began an apprenticeship as a mechanic to support his family. In Melbourne studying for his mechanic's certificate, Lewis was "discovered" by Fred Schepisi at Tullamarine airport, and his acting career began.
The film brings fame and adulation, but at the same time alienates him from his community. Increasingly Lewis turns to alcohol to dull the pain. Finally he is able to accept the duality in himself, and to learn to celebrate "belonging to two campfires, not one".
Thumbul (pronounced "DARN-bull") means "the morning star", and this is Lewis' talisman, a reminder of the synthesis between two cultures. Using dance and music (he is an accomplished didgeridoo player, guitarist and singer), Lewis conveys his experiences with passion and humour. At a time when Pauline Hanson and her cohorts are trying to claim that Aborigines are a "privileged" minority, Thumbul is a timely reminder of the devastating effects of racism, as well as an inspiring story of survival.