Rhoda Roberts tells tales of family and culture

Highly esteemed cultural leader Rhoda Roberts is bringing her powerful storytelling to the region in a NORPA production of My Cousin Frank.

The show unearths the rich history of the Northern Rivers with the story of the irrepressible Roberts family of Lismore, and of Australia’s first Aboriginal Olympian. In it, Roberts shares tales of her first cousin, a Widjabul Wia-bal and Githabul man from Cubawee – a self-managed Aboriginal settlement.

Francis “Frank” Roberts spent his entire life fighting. A boxing champion, he was highly respected for his contribution to the ‘sweet science’ in Australia. Outside the ring, he was known as “Honest Frank” and fought relentlessly for his family and culture.

Directed by Kirk Page, Roberts brings the fighting spirit of Frank and her mob to life on stage as she recalls the family’s tumultuous journey from the era of dispersal and silence to navigating a world controlled by Government policy.

A Widjabul Wia-bal woman of the Bundjalung Nation, Roberts said that these were important stories about the places we call home.

“They are set in a time where poverty and authoritarian

control ruled, enforced by the Aborigines Protection Board policies,” she said.

“Through the richness of love and the Roberts work ethic, Frank rose above this and was the pinnacle of athletic achievement in the new world of the Olympic Games.”

Audiences too will be part of a creative journey as My Cousin Frank provides development for a new NORPA production First Aboriginal Olympian, due to be staged in 2025.

“These are yarns about our shared past, and aspirations for a new tomorrow,” she said.

“I am so proud to be telling this element of our family story.”

My Cousin Frank will be performed on August 24 at Lismore’s Starcourt Theatre, and August 30 and 31 at Byron Theatre.

Tickets are available at norpa.org.au