Wanderings

Wanderings is an incredible new play written by Margi Brown Ash, Zac Callaghan and Leah Mercer. It’s one of those works one feels privileged to have experienced. The script is deeply moving, brilliantly clever, and superbly funny. It deals with transitions of two different kinds. One is a transition of gender, and the other a transition of age and lifestyle.

The two-hander lovingly shares the story of Stella (Margi Brown Ash), a woman in her 70s who is living with dementia, and her transgender son Kidd (Zac Callaghan).

Kidd is helping Stella transition into aged care, to downsize her possessions, and complete the necessary paperwork and preparations for her future. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply, reflecting the experiences of countless families.

Stella is raging against the dying of the light, at times lashing out at Kidd. As her condition worsens, Kidd is challenged by his mother’s memory loss, particularly when she dead-names and misgenders him. His dedication to his mother never wavers, even in the toughest times, and in her lucid moments, the love and dedication is reciprocated by Stella. The denouement is absolutely heartbreaking, but also absolutely beautiful.

The play’s poignant conclusion owes much to the masterful performances that bring Stella and Kidd's journey to life. Co-Writer and performer Margi Brown Ash is just perfect in the role of Stella. She has gorgeous vocal tones, endless energy, charm, and charisma. Her deft handling of the transition from a vibrant, colourful and spirited woman to a shell of her former self is a masterclass in acting. The gradual changes in her character are subtle and impactful.

Co-Writer, performer, producer, and sound designer Zac Callaghan as Kidd is a joy to watch. He is vibrant and dynamic, has great timing and shows excellent vulnerability. Callaghan beautifully handles the emotional journey of his character and has genuine rapport with his co-star.

Designer Rozina Suliman nails the brief. She creates an exquisite, colourful, lived-in environment for Stella’s home. The design contrasts between Stella's vibrant former life and the sterile aged care facility underscores her massive change in lifestyle, and her cognitive decline. It also enhances the emotional toll of Stella’s loss of autonomy. The beige homogeny a symbol of her individuality, soul, and spirit slowly slipping away from her.

Sound Design by The Joy Dispensary (Zac Callaghan and Olivia Cosham) is fantastic. The atmosphere in each location is enhanced by the soundscape – the birdcalls in Stella’s garden, the threatening thunderstorm and cool rain, cicadas at night, and Stella’s voiceovers are outstanding.

Freddy Komp’s lighting design captures an exquisite balance of atmosphere and emotion, with moments like the storm scene evoking both awe and unease, and fairy lights in the tree creating a magical atmosphere in the garden. Komp’s projection design works very effectively to denote the passage of time too.

This show is a total triumph and co-writer, director and producer Leah Mercer ought to be highly commended for her vision and skill. She’s made some refreshing choices with the blocking and delivered a believable, relatable and immersive world with two characters you care about very deeply. It’s easy to see the generosity of Mercer and her fellow creatives in sharing such personal stories. The love, intention, and soul of the work shines through so powerfully.

Wanderings is more than a play; it’s a powerful meditation on love, memory, family, storytelling, and the resilience of the human spirit. If you’re in Brisbane, don’t miss this deeply moving production. Bring tissues—and prepare to be profoundly touched. Forget five stars, I’m giving Wanderings infinite stars across all of the night sky.

Kitty Goodall

Photographer: Jen Dainer