THEATRE
by Nathan Maynard, by Melbourne Theatre Company
At Southbank Theatre until 22 Feb 2025
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars: 4
This review is published only on this blog. I’ll present a radio review on Arts Weekly on 3MBS on Sat 1 Feb 2025. KH
Nathan Maynard’s 37 is a powerful and dynamic piece of theatre that dives into the intersections of sport, identity, and racism in contemporary Australia. Set against the backdrop of a struggling country football club, the play follows two young Indigenous men, Jayma (Ngali Shaw) and his cousin Sonny (Tibian Wyles), as they leave home to join a team that has not won a premiership in 25 years. The pair quickly establish themselves as talented and respected footballers, but their journey is marred by the casual and overt racism they encounter from some of their teammates.
The performances are captivating, particularly Shaw’s portrayal of Jayma, who exudes passion and charisma both on and off the field. His character is deeply influenced by AFL legend Adam Goodes, whose proud stance against racism serves as an inspiration for Jayma’s own fight. Wyles’ Sonny provides a contrast to Jayma’s intensity with his easy-going and humorous demeanour, but both characters share a deep sense of cultural pride and resilience.
The play doesn’t shy away from the ugly reality of racism in Australian sports culture. While some players, like team captain Joe (Ben O’Toole), show awareness and sensitivity, others indulge in racial slurs — some casually and carelessly, others with cruel intent. The locker room dynamic is a blend of camaraderie, aggression and toxic masculinity, captured through Maynard’s sharp and authentic dialogue. The language reflects the blokey, abrasive banter of footy culture, often walking a fine line between jest and outright bullying, while the male bonding and initiations rituals border on the abusive.
Syd Brisbane delivers a convincing performance as the grizzled coach, known as The General, whose relentless drive to win hints at personal stakes in the team’s long-awaited success. His character embodies the old-school, tough-love approach often seen in sports, adding another layer to the play’s exploration of masculinity and tradition.
Under the precise direction and choreography of Isaac Drandic, 37 becomes an electrifying theatrical experience. The production is intensely physical, with choreographed sequences that mirror the movements of Australian rules football. The actors are in near-constant motion, leaping, tackling, and mimicking the flow of a high-stakes match. This physicality heightens the tension, particularly in the climactic grand final scene where Jayma faces a life-altering decision: secure victory for his team or stand by his cultural identity.
While 37 may not break entirely new ground, it is a compelling and thought-provoking piece that challenges audiences to reflect on racism, identity, and the cost of winning. It is an exhilarating, hard-hitting work that lingers long after the final siren.
By Kate Herbert
CAST
The
General Syd Brisbane
Gorby Mitchell Brotz
Apples Samuel Buckley
Ant Costa D'Angelo
GJ Thomas Larkin
Woodsy Eddie Orton
Joe Ben O'Toole
Jayma Ngali Shaw
Dazza Anthony Standish
Sonny Tibian Wyles
CREATIVE TEAM
Director
& Co-Choreographer Isaac Drandic
Set & Costume Designer Dale Ferguson
Lighting Designer Ben Hughes
Composer & Sound Designer James Henry
Co-Choreographer Waangenga Blanco
Voice & Text Coach Matt Furlani
Assistant Director Kamarra Bell-Wykes
Fight Choreographer Lyndall Grant
Intimacy Coordinator Isabella Vadiveloo
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