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
“I am so proud to be telling an element of our family story,” Rhoda Roberts AO
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.
This event was made to develop the new NORPA production FIRST ABORIGINAL OLYMPIAN, coming to the stage in 2026.
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.”
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer and Performer Rhoda RobertsAO
Director Kirk Page
Production Manager Karl Johnson
AV Design Jahvis Loveday
Sound Design Damian Robinson
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.
Kirk Page
A proud Munanjali man, Kirk Page trained at NAISDA and has performed nationally and internationally over his 30-year career. Based in the Northern Rivers, he has worked extensively as an actor on stage and screen.
Jahvis Loveday
A Bundjalung and BAMA man, Jahvis Loveday is a local award-winning filmmaker who has created over 12 short films and 200 videos. Through his company, Something Deadly, Jahvis supports First Nations culture and community projects across Bundjalung country.
PRESENTATION HISTORY
24 Aug 2024 at Byron Theatre and 30, 31 Aug 2024 at Star Court Theatre, Lismore.
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.
