The 7 Stages of Grieving

Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman’s original production of ‘7 Stages’ is a collection of ‘chapters’ documenting the effect of white settlement on our First Peoples. In a series of vignettes using different theatrical styles, they tell of the disruption that invasion and assimilation has wrought. They cover the loss of land, family, culture and self esteem. They cover discrimination and vilification. But they also incorporate reconciliation, hope … and humour. And they do so through the voice of one woman – an ‘everywoman’ who moves from story to story, style to style, on a stage that represents both the land and its peoples.

This adaptation from Queensland’s Grin and Tonic Theatre Troupe has been slightly adapted to incorporate the land of the actor Chenoa Deemal. Deemal is from the Thitharr Warra clan, part of the Gugu Yimithirr tribe from Hopevale, north of Cooktown in the Cape York Peninsula. The production is interspersed with her language. The design elements (Jessica Ross, Daniel Anderson and Justin Harrison) are based on the rainbow coloured sands of Elim Beach where she grew up, the art and music of her people and the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland.

Sensitively directed by Jason Klarwein, the production is beautifully timed and carefully paced, allowing moments of sadness and accusation to linger just long enough – and moments of satire to make just sufficient impact. Emblematic circles of tiny coloured stones and sand enclose the acting space, where simple objects – a box of photographs, an old suitcase, a flag, a ‘For Sale’ sign – become effective symbols to express poignant messages.

Deemal carries the weight of her peoples’ stories well. She mixes well-timed humour with a little bit of accusation, story telling with a little bit of reporting, movement with touching moments of silent stillness. Her expressive description of the Bridge marches brought back the unity and power of that special day and what it symbolised.

It is an apt time to revive this play – and this adaptation does it with strength and compassion.

Carol Wimmer

Photographer: Justin Harrison