My Cousin Frank at Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House presents
A NORPA production
My Cousin Frank
Written and told by Rhoda Roberts AO
“I am so proud to be telling an element of our family story,” Rhoda Roberts AO
A Widjabul Wia-bal and Githabul man from Cubawee, Frank Roberts made history as Australia’s first signed Indigenous Olympian, stepping into the boxing ring at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
In this compelling, moving, and uplifting evening of storytelling, we meet Frank through the eyes of one of the preeminent cultural figures of her generation — Rhoda Roberts AO.
Beyond boxing, Frank was a man of immense integrity and determination. Known as “Honest Frank,” he fought tirelessly in every sense of the word — in the ring, in advocacy, and for his family and culture.
Rhoda brings the fighting spirit of Frank and her mob to life on stage, tracing a family’s journey from the tumultuous era of dispersal and silence to navigating a world shaped by Government policy.
With a powerful blend of nostalgia, empathy and humour, My Cousin Frank sheds light on the little-known history of a family of boxers, exploring the places we call home, our shared past, and aspirations for a better future.
TICKETS ON SALE FRI 26 SEP
Dates
Wed 3 Dec, 7pm (opening)
Thu 4 Dec, 7pm
Fri 5 Dec, 7pm
Sat 6 Dec, 1.30pm
Venue
Studio
Sydney Opera House
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
Rhoda dressed by Ella Lincoln
Reviews
“A remarkable feat of live storytelling … funny and charming while channelling a deep moral and human authority. Inspiring theatre.” The Age
★★★★ “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
Our support of First Nations stories like My Cousin Frank are essential to NORPA’s creative delivery. They are stories of this place with a resonance that reaches around the country and across the globe. A donation to A New Home for NORPA will directly support this bold and vital work. All gifts over $2 are tax deductible.