Radiance
By Louis Nowra
Directed by Rosalba Clemente
With Rachael Maza, Lydia Miller and Rhonda RobertsBelvoir Theatre, Sydney, to October 17. Reviewed by Zanny Begg
Radiance is a play about the search for self identity. Set in North Queensland it traces the story of three Aboriginal sisters who, after being separated for many years, return to the place of their birth for their mother's funeral.
At first they meet awkwardly, like strangers, but as the night unfolds old secrets and new bonds emerge. The play powerfully traces how the sisters' broken past has shaped their lives. At the funeral they do more than bury their mother, they bury the lies that have hidden their real identities.
Radiance contrasts three very different Aboriginal women. The central focus is the youngest sister, Nona (played by Rhonda Roberts), whose nervous exuberance radiates throughout the play. Unlike the older two sisters, May (played by Rachael Maza) and Cressy (played by Lydia Miller), she was not taken away by the government officials and lived with her mother until she was 15. Her affection for her mother, though not very deep, is unquestioning.
May and Cressy have had a very different family experience. May's dark hatred for her mother and Cressy's keen sense of betrayal hint at deeper secrets. The play lets each of these three different women explain her own drama.
Playwright Louis Nowra (Cosi, Map of the Human Heart, The summer of the aliens, Capricornia) has created a passionate and memorable play. Nowra cleverly combines a racy sense of humour with profound and often painful emotions. He has created three very individual and strong female characters which Maza, Miller and Roberts bring to life.
Radiance looks frankly at how these women confront sexuality, self respect, love and madness.
The only defect of this otherwise brilliant and engaging play is the repeated racist references to Japanese. This is surprising, as Radiance deals very sensitively and subtly with questions of Aboriginality.
Radiance is definitely not to be missed.
Radiance is showing at the Belvoir Theatre from 21 September.