The Visitors | Moogahlin Performing Arts & Sydney Theatre Company
All images: Stephen Wilson Barker
It is easy to see why The Visitors, co-produced by Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company, was recognised with Best Mainstage Production and Best Ensemble at the 2023 Sydney Theatre Awards. Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s writing is well-researched, beautifully observed, clever, funny, insightful, moving, and thought-provoking.
On a sweltering day in January 1788, clan leaders are invited to a meeting to discuss the mysterious fleet of giant nawi that is assembling in the harbour. A welcome and hospitality are offered, meeting protocols are agreed, and a new initiate is accepted as a representative of the Elder from one of the clans. The banter is light-hearted, but a serious decision is to be made; one that requires all seven representatives to form an agreement as to whether a welcome should be given to the visitors.
Wesley Enoch directs this work with sensitivity, teasing out the multi-layered themes and questions raised in the play—not only Australia’s dark history, but also more contemporary issues such as climate change, the treatment of migrants, and the impacts of covid. The Visitors reminds us of the importance of understanding our own histories, and is a provocation to encourage discussions about how we live today, and how Australian communities deal with visitors, migrants and refugees.
Two of the many ways in which the playwright, director and cast convey this contemporary relevance is though language and costume. The words are sophisticated and contemporary. The interweaving of Language, and gradual shift toward agreement that each of the characters speak in the one language for the meeting, is a special way in which to open the play—benefiting from the work and support of Aunty Yvonne Simms (Cultural Liaison), Corina Norman (Dharug/Dharawal Linguist), and Jordan Ryan-Hennessey (Dharug Linguist/Coach). And Elizabeth Gadsby’s evocative set and exceptional costume design place the performers in a world that is of 1788 and of 2025.
All images: Stephen Wilson Barker
Enoch has selected a strong cast for this powerful work. As the meeting takes place on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour, the welcome is by Gordon of Sydney Cove (Stephen Geronimos [Gamilaroi]). The play closes with a moving speech by Geronimos that was one of the most incredible moments of theatre that I have experienced in a long time—enhanced by the lighting changes that allowed us to fully see the design of the backdrop (Karen Norris, Lighting Designer).
Najwa Adams-Ebel (Birri, Gubba) is superb as the pensive Wallace of the River, encouraging fellow guests to think about the arrivals and to consider their motivations for visiting—while also reminding everyone that protocols must be followed, even for the strange visitors. John Blair (Nucoorilma Gamilaroi), as Joseph of the Headlands, is a commanding presence throughout play: funny, wise, and thoughtful. Sean Dow (Gunggandji, Birigubba) gives a wonderful comic portrayal of Gary of the Northern Parramatta River. Beau Dean Riley Smith (Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay) is a joy to watch, and ensures that Albert of the South Shore is always heard. Zoe Walters (Anmatyerre) portrays Jaky of Manly Cove’s North Shore as a strong character, providing a nice contrast to James Slee’s (Kuku Yalanji Goa) highly believable young Lawrence of Botany Bay.
Promoted as a ‘a hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown,’ The Visitors is a must-see show; a relevant, funny, and thought-provoking piece that is First Nations storytelling at its finest. Sadly it closes this weekend, so get along while you can. I promise this is a show that will stay with you for some time.
Even if you do miss The Visitors, the 2025 Clancestry Program includes a range of other events, including free workshops music and cultural activities that includes the official First Gathering opening, Black History Month: HERstory|HIStory music and storytelling celebrating Mob, and the much-anticipated performances of Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Illume. I may just see you there…
Audience information: The Visitors, Playhouse, QPAC, Southbank, Brisbane (23-26 July 2025). 75 minutes, no interval. Recommended 13+. Performance includes some theatrical haze, and contains infrequent coarse language, themes of racial violence, and descriptions of violence and intergenerational trauma. Audiences are also asked to note that this production may contain voices and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have passed away. Tickets are $79-$89, plus $7.50 booking fee.
Additional credits: Brendon Boney (Composer and Sound Designer), Liza-Mare Syron (Associate Director 2023), Shana O’Brien (Associate Designer).
The reviewer attended the Wednesday 23rd July 2025 opening night performance (7pm).
