The Sum of Us

The Sum of Us, performed as part of the Perth Festival is Yirra Yaakin’s first queer themed production, and the first time that The Sum of Us has been performed with an all-indigenous cast.

Ground-breaking when first presented in 1990, parts of The Sum of Us do now seem dated, but thematically the issues remain important. Interestingly, the casting of Aboriginal performers seemed to make some aspects stronger - most notably the importance of unconditional family acceptance. The offstage story of Grandma and her girlfriend Mary was stronger than I remember in previous productions, perhaps the influence of a queer female director, as well as the expert storytelling of actor Bruce Denny.

Bryan Woltjen’s set and costume design is not tied to any era, to give a universality to the story, supported by a strong lighting design by Peter Young. At the centre of the set design is a dance floor, on which transitions and events are represented in dance form, expertly choreographed by Claudia Alessi. Joe Paradise Lui’s composition and sound design allows this process to seem seamless and organic to the piece.

Matthew Cooper, as young gay man Jeff, and Bruce Denny as Harry, his very supportive father, both deliver outstanding performances, including very moving direct-to-the audience monologues, and establish a very believable relationship. Joshua Pether, as Jeff’s potential boyfriend Greg, is charming and has a gorgeous presence, but can be difficult to understand at times. Janine Oxenham handles the difficult role of Joyce very well - perhaps the most problematic character, as her homophobia while never excusable, was perhaps more understandable thirty years ago, than today.

This is a strong ensemble who deliver a meaningful incarnation of a still very interesting play. A moving and effective piece of theatre.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Cole Baxter