My Cousin Frank

Rhoda Roberts, standing in front of an image of boxing gloves, introduces the audience to her cousin Frank, warrior, sportsman and local hero. In that sense he epitomises the strengths of the First Nations people from the Widjabul-wia-bul country who against all odds maintained a sense of their self-worth and pride in their culture.

Frank Roberts was born in 1945 and became a boxing champion. He was the first Aboriginal Olympian, competing in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The fact that he had to travel on a British passport, not being acknowledged as an Australian citizen (that came a few years later after a referendum) highlights the struggle which aboriginal people have had from the time of the coming of the British settlers. So the boxer Frank Roberts might be seen as the peg upon which hangs the story of a people and a family.

 

Both  Rhoda’s grandfather Frank Roberts Pastor and father Frank Roberts were activists. The name Frank was passed from generation to generation, even among the cousins, giving a sense of unity, rather than confusion, as Rhoda explains. Frank Roberts, the boxer, is a source of family pride but there is so much more. Cubawee Aboriginal Reserve, Tuncester N.S.W to which these people were moved  from the township of Lismore, was self managed, and thrived. They were not under the control of the Aboriginal Protection Board, (also known as the Aboriginal Destruction Board).

Members of the Roberts family fought for justice, respect and equality. Rhoda tells us of their struggles and achievements as she moves about the stage, attacks a punching bag or sits in a large armchair sipping a cup of tea. This performance is effective truth telling. The telling is without rancour, conversational in tone, humorous, but never denying the injustices, loss of country, racism and prejudice which her people have endured, and, despite some progress, still do.

Large images which illustrate the narrative, allow the audience to relate to people and incidents mentioned, and add much to the story. 

My Cousin Frank, is a story needing to be told.

Rhoda Roberts  Writer and Performer

Kirk Page  Director

Space Theatre   3-5 March