Actor Trevor Jamieson in Namatjira at the Drum Theatre on Thursday night.By Nicole Williams
GREATER Dandenong’s business community gathered last Thursday to take in the opening night of Namatjira at the Drum Theatre, complete with cross-dressing and live art.
About 50 people joined Greater Dandenong director of cultural facilities Greg Hordacre and mayor Roz Blades before the performance for a Business Networking Event, presented by Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce.
The show had the audience in awe and in tears of sadness and laughter as Trevor Jamieson and Derek Lynch recreated the stories of Albert’s life.
Two of painter Albert Namatjira’s granddaughters created a chalk landscape backdrop and an artist completed a portrait of Namatjira during the performance.
While Jamieson filled the main roles of Namatjira, his mentor Rex Battarbee and close family members, Lynch transformed from Namatjira’s wife to Queen Elizabeth to nephews and anything in between.
The play had 42 sell-out shows in Sydney and a sell-out season at Malthouse Theatre before launching its Australian tour at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre.
“When I heard it was returning to Melbourne, I was very keen to have it here,” Mr Hordacre said.
“It is contemporary Australian theatre at its best.”
Mr Hordacre said the Drum Theatre was honoured to showcase the performance and it was a pleasure to be a part of a full-house standing ovation on the night.
Namatjira will now tour Geelong, ACT and New South Wales.
