‘Don’t Ask What the Bird Look Like’ shines light on First Nations stories at Queensland Theatre

Queensland Theatre is gearing up for an exciting event as the world premiere of an evocative play by an emerging First Nations playwright takes centre stage.

Queensland Theatre is gearing up for an exciting event as the world premiere of Don’t Ask What the Bird Look Like, an evocative play by emerging First Nations playwright Hannah Belanszky, takes centre stage at the Queensland Theatre on Thursday night.

The play, co-directed by artistic Elder Roxanne McDonald is a cross-generational collaboration that aims to illuminate the rich cultural heritage and stories of First Nations women.

Drawing inspiration from her own roots, Belanszky’s creation was a finalist in the esteemed Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2018-19.

L-r) Roxanne McDonald (co-director), Hannah Belanszky (play write) and Lee Lewis (co-director) on set of Don’t Ask What the Bird Look Like.

After a challenging journey, which included a postponement due to devastating floods in 2022, the play is finally ready to make its mark.

The narrative centres around Joan, a young woman of First Nations descent who embarks on a journey from the city to remote Australia.

Her goal: to reconnect with her estranged father, Mick, and in the process, unearth the untold stories of her family and identity.

The play delves into themes of family, reconnection, and the complex interplay of love and understanding.

Belanszky shared her excitement about her work finally being viewed by the general public, stating, “I’m so proud to be given the opportunity to share the story of ‘don’t ask what the bird look like’ on a main stage like the Bille Brown Theatre.”

“This play is about discovering culture and creating a place within ourselves for that culture to grow.”

McDonald, highlighted the significance of amplifying the voices of young First Nations artists. “Nurturing the voices and talents of young First Nations women is not only a cultural responsibility and honour but also a vitally important mission. These stories have the power to strengthen our communities and pave the way for future generations to find their voices and celebrate our heritage,” McDonald explained.

L-r) Roxanne McDonald (co-director), Hannah Belanszky (play write) and Lee Lewis (co-director) on set of Don’t Ask What the Bird Look Like.

Artistic Director at Queensland Theatre, Lee Lewis, emphasised its timely relevance in an era marked by fractured relationships and difficult conversations.

“What’s beautiful about this story is that they stay in the conversation. No one storms out and says I’m never speaking to you again. They do the thing that we have to do as humans and stay in the room and wrestle hard sentences. And we do it because we care,” Lewis said.

As the play navigates the complexities of family dynamics and heritage, it presents a fresh and gentle approach to storytelling, unlike the often conflict-driven narratives, according to Lewis. “It is unusual in the writing world, so I think when people come, they will be surprised by the experience of this play. It is unlike other experiences,” she said.

’Don’t ask what the bird look like’ is set to run until September 9, with tickets available at queenslandtheatre.com.au.