My Cousin Frank
The story of the fighting Roberts family of Lismore and Australia’s first Aboriginal Olympian
ABOUT THE SHOW
Written and told by Rhoda Roberts AO
“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
Francis ‘Frank’ Roberts spent his entire life fighting. A boxing champion, he was the first Aboriginal Olympian, 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.
Rhoda Roberts AO delivered an evening of personal storytelling as she shared 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 history of the Northern Rivers.
Originally produced in 2024, this event captivated audiences with sold-out shows in Lismore and Byron Bay. Created to develop NORPA’s upcoming production, FIRST ABORIGINAL OLYMPIAN, set to premiere in 2026, the journey continues in 2025. Led by Rhoda Roberts AO and the creative team, this powerful Northern Rivers story will take the national stage, beginning with a full house at Adelaide Festival. From there, My Cousin Frank will visit Wodonga in August, with more cities soon to be announced.
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
“I was blown away by Rhoda’s storytelling and never-ending reservoir of talent. Cubawee – I had no idea! What an incredible, essential learning it was about Bundjalung Country.”
“Rhoda Roberts is an amazing storyteller. Her performance was extraordinary. It was an inspiring and thoughtful way to learn about the Roberts family and their role in community and history.”
“It was such an interweaving of the history of not only Frank, but the rest of the Roberts family, of Cubawee and of nearly 100 years of local Widjabul Wia-bal history.”
reviews
“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
“At the heart of My Cousin Frank is the powerful narrative of resilience, identity and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.” – Limelight Magazine
“Roberts delivers what we expect of this astonishing story: wit, cultural remembrance, warmth but coupled with a quiet sadness at all that has been lost.” – InDaily
“Roberts’s performance feels like a call to action: to remember, to honour, and to continue the fight for justice.” – Irresistible Magazine
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
Writer & Performer Rhoda Roberts
Director Kirk Page
Associate Director Julian Louis
Lighting Design Karl Johnson
AV Design Mic Gruchy and Jahvis Loveday
Sound Design Damian Robinson
Producer Libby Lincoln
Production Manager Karl Johnson
Stage Manager Sheridyn Dalton
AV Operator Patrick Bolliger
Rhoda dressed by Ella Lincoln
ABOUT RHODA ROBERTS AO
Rhoda Roberts AO is a Widjabul Wia-bul woman of the Bundjalung Nation. She is an award-winning producer, artistic director, journalist, broadcaster, actor and arts advisor who continues to make a vital contribution to the media, performing and Indigenous arts in Australia. Amongst her many achievements Rhoda co-founded Australia’s national Aboriginal theatre company, was the first Aboriginal presenter on prime-time TV, founded and directed the Festival of Dreaming and was Head of First Nations Programming for the Sydney Opera House. She was awarded an Order of Australia in 2016 for distinguished service to the performing arts. Rhoda is NORPA’s Creative Director of First Nations, Creative Director of the Parrtjima Festival in Alice Springs and Director of the Boomerang Festival.
PRESENTATION HISTORY
24 Aug 2024 at Byron Theatre, Byron Bay, NSW.
30-31 Aug 2024 at Star Court Theatre, Lismore NSW.
3-5 March 2025 at Adelaide Festival, Adelaide, SA.
9-12 July 2025 at Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.
13-16 August 2025 at HotHouse Theatre, Wodonga VIC.
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 round up donation with your ticket purchase will directly support this bold and vital work. All gifts over $2 are tax deductable.
