“A remarkable feat of live storytelling … funny and charming while channelling a deep moral and human authority. Inspiring theatre.”  The Age

Francis ‘Frank’ Roberts spent his entire life fighting. As a boxing champion, he became the First Aboriginal signed to an Olympic Team, and respected for his contribution to the ‘sweet science’ in Australia. Outside the ring, the man
they called “Honest Frank” fought tirelessly for his family and culture.

Join Rhoda Roberts AO for an evening of personal storytelling as she shares tales of her first cousin Frank, a Widjabul Wia-bal and Githabul man from Cubawee.

Rhoda brings the fighting spirit of Frank and her mob to life on stage as she recalls a family’s journey from the tumultuous era of dispersal and silence to navigating a world controlled by Government policy.

These are important stories about the places we call home, our shared past, and aspirations for a better tomorrow. With a great mix of nostalgia, empathy, and humour, My Cousin Frank sheds light on the little known history of a family of boxers.

Dates and venue

13 August 7.30pm (Opening)
14 August 7.30pm
15 August, 7.30pm (Meet the Artists -post-show Q&A)
16 August, 1:00pm (Audio Description & Tactile Tour)
HotHouse Theatre – Gateway Island, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga Vic 3690

Cast and Creative Team

Writer & Performer Rhoda Roberts AO
Director Kirk Page
Associate Director Julian Louis
Lighting Design Karl Johnson
AV Design Mic Gruchy and Jahvis Loveday
Sound Design Damian Robinson
Associate Producer & Stage Manager Sheridyn Dalton
Production Manager Karl Johnson
AV Operator Patrick Bolliger

Bookings

reviews

★★★★ “Confronting, enlightening and heartening, it’s a story every Australian would benefit from hearing.” Limelight

★★★★ “Rhoda Roberts AO tells the story of ‘Honest Frank’ in a wonderfully engaging style. It feels like you’ve been invited into her home to have a cup of tea and a chat about her cousin … An important story well told…. offers a message of hope for the future.” ArtsHub

“This performance is effective truth telling, without rancour, conversational in tone, humorous, but never denying the injustices, loss of country, racism and prejudice which her people have endured.”  5MBS

“Rhoda Roberts delivers the vast sweep of this astonishing story with such warmth and humour that we could be sitting in her living room being shown photos from the family album.” InDaily South Australia

“Roberts’s performance feels like a call to action: to remember, to honour, and to continue the fight for justice.”  Irresistible Magazine