THE SECRET RIVER

The tragedy of what was, and what could’ve been, is deftly captured in this moving adaptation of Kate Grenville’s acclaimed 2005 novel.

Against a ghostly white gum tree we witness the fated interactions of the recently pardoned convict family Thornhill, and the soon-to-be displaced Dharug clan. Clothing and grub is swapped, hands held, conversations misinterpreted, games played and very fragile bonds formed. But what can be done can be undone, and so it goes, the heavy domino tumble we still feel today.

Singer Ursula Yovich as the wandering narrator and wife to Blackwood, Miranda Tapsell (The Sapphires) as cheeky Gillyagan/Muruli and Trevor Jamieson (Namatjira) as betrayed Ngalamalum are all stand-outs in an earnest and dignified cast of true professionals. Director Neil Armfield says it was sometimes hard to oversee the production, ‘with your eyes stinging with tears,’ and it’s a challenge all who watch must face.

Until Feb 9, Sydney Theatre, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $50-105, 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au