The Shadow King

This tragic Shakespearian tale of King Lear, retold and reset as an Indigenous Australian allegory, works surprisingly well on stage – with both disparate worlds and eras having more in common than first meets the eye.

Actor Tom E Lewis (Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith) who plays the role of King Lear, and also had a major hand in the creation of the work, has spoken of the similarities between Dreamtime stories and Shakespearian tales – with brutality a common thread.

With that in mind – and given the original content is already quite confronting – this may be a challenging piece for some audience members, with the violence (implied and otherwise) at times difficult to watch.

It is clever how the original story of a man dividing his land among his daughters takes a new twist here to weave in the issues of native title and Indigenous land rights, with Lear repeatedly accused of giving away land that doesn’t really belong to him.

This is a key theme of the play, while it also draws on the complexities of desiring modernity versus adhering to traditional ways.

However, there are a few issues with the production. A few moments seem off-kilter, while technically, there are also some issues with the sound. The on-stage band are excellent, but at times it is difficult to hear the actors, who deliver the script in English as well as in Indigenous and Torres Strait language. 

As the foolish Lear grows into his role throughout the performance, Lewis develops the layers of his character with every scene. His gradual descent into madness is poignant to watch.

However, it is Jimi Bani (Mabo) who is a standout as illegitimate son Edmund (from another family), whose scheming tears apart two families. His shifts in mood from playful to angry to manipulative – all played with an undercurrent of jealousy and determination – help drive the play forward.

The set design too is effective – with the red-dirt ground, a giant mining truck that doubles as a house and video backdrop all working well together to recreate our northern landscape.

Interesting, challenging, but at times uneven, this production is still an impressive showcase of Indigenous performance and is a rewarding night at the theatre.