my cousin frank
WRITTEN AND TOLD BY RHODA ROBERTS AO
13-16 AUGUST
About
HotHouse Theatre presents a NORPA production
Francis ‘Frank’ Roberts spent his entire life fighting. As a boxing champion, he became the First Aboriginal signed to an Olympic Team, and respected for his contribution to the ‘sweet science’ in Australia. Outside the ring, the man
they called “Honest Frank” fought tirelessly for his family and culture.
Join Rhoda Roberts AO for an evening of personal storytelling as she shares tales of her first cousin Frank, a Widjabul Wia-bal and Githabul man from Cubawee.
Rhoda brings the fighting spirit of Frank and her mob to life on stage as she recalls a family’s journey from the tumultuous era of dispersal and silence to navigating a world controlled by Government policy.
These are important stories about the places we call home, our shared past, and aspirations for a better tomorrow. With a great mix of nostalgia, empathy, and humour, My Cousin Frank sheds light on the little known history of a family of boxers.
Event InfoRMATION
75 minutes, no interval
Wed 13 August | Opening
Fri 15 August | Meet the Artists (post-show Q&A)
Sat 16 August | Audio Description & Tactile Tour
Wed 13 August 7.30pm
Thur 14 August 7.30pm
Fri 15 August, 7.30pm
Sat 16 August, 1:00pm
SPECIAL EVENTs
IN CONVERSATION
HotHouse Theatre and La Trobe University present
La Trobe Conversations – a pre-show conversation series, deep-diving into the big ideas and themes catalysed by the works in our annual production season.
The conversations are led by a panel of academics, industry leaders, artists and people with lived experiences regarding the themes of the discussions.
They contextualise the ideas from the play and
discuss their impact and relevance within local, regional and global contexts.
MEET THE ARTIST
Stay on after Friday night performances to Meet the Artists, in this post show Q&A and
conversation.
Dive into the artistry, absorb the inspiration behind the production, uncover the creative process and have all your burning questions answered in this fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of our season shows
GREEN MATINEE
Green Matinees are a fantastic opportunity to combine a love for theatre with sustainable practices. Swap the car for your bike, skates or walk to the theatre!
With great discounts and incentives available, we hope to inspire our community to embrace eco-friendly travel while enjoying a unique cultural experience
ARTISTS & CREATIVES
WRITER & PERFORMER
Rhoda Roberts AO
DIRECTOR
Kirk Page
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Julien Louis
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Karl Johnson
AV DESIGN
Jahvis Loveday
AV DESIGN
Mic Gruchy
SOUND DESIGN
Damian Robinson
CONTENT WARNING
CONTENT ADVICE
Please be aware this production will include images
of deceased First Nations people.
Further detail can be provided by contacting HotHouse Theatre on 02 6021 7433.
PRODUCTION PARTNERS
MEDIA
SCHOOLS PROGRAM
Thursday 8 May 2025
11am – 12:45pm
HotHouse’s Butter Factory Theatre, Gateway Island
Schools are invited to attend a matinee performance at 11:00am. Following the performance, students will be invited to remain in the theatre to partcipate in a Q&A with the creatives. Further information will be realeased closer to the performance.
