Tell us about The Season? The narrative follows the Duncans, a palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) family on their annual pilgrimage to the Big Dog Island, situated in the middle of the Bass Strait, where they come together to practice their cultural tradition of the mutton bird harvest and be a family.
What does The Season say about Australia today? Unashamedly; nothing. It speaks of the traditions of the palawa people of Tasmania and their strength and resistance to proudly be a cultural people against all odds, 214 years after invasion.
Would you describe the humour in this play as distinctly Australian? I’d describe it as palawa humour. If Australia wants to claim that as well, this time we want a treaty first.But in all seriousness, Australia is so diverse, I don’t know if I could say it’s distinctly Australian.
How does this play ask the audience to think about family? Initially, The Season asks you to enjoy yourself and not think too much. It’s subtle, it’s a slow burner. But on reflection, I think the audience will make the connection that family is universal, and it doesn’t matter what nation you come from in Australia or the world, every family is perfectly crazy in their own beautiful distinct way, and that’s okay.
Did you draw on your own life experiences to write this play? Definitely. I also drew on the yarns I’ve been told by my family and other palawa community. There is a fair bit of creative license in there too.
