![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2026\/07\/8Q2A5868_84726.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
As Harry also begins a new relationship, the play explores how acceptance, family and belonging can shape, or strain, the people closest to us.<\/p>\n
An award winner on the off-Broadway stage, the play later reached a wider audience through the film adaptation starring Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe, blending humour with emotional depth while examining ideas of masculinity, identity and unconditional love.<\/p>\n
Parkinson said revisiting the play convinced him its themes had lost none of their impact.<\/p>\n
“I loved the movie when it originally came out. The warmth, humour and wonderful storyline won me over instantly, and when I was given the opportunity to direct, this jumped out at me,” he said.<\/p>\n
“When I read the play again, I realised that it was still relevant today and that the characters would hold their own 36 years later.<\/p>\n
“While any play needs to be entertaining, this one is also thought -provoking. How far has society come since then? Does Harry redefine the image of masculinity for the better and have we learnt anything from that?”<\/p>\n
The production sees “blokey bloke” Harry openly supporting his son’s sexuality, a portrayal that challenged stereotypes when the play premiered in the late 1980s and continues to resonate today.<\/p>\n
“Harry is the quintessential rough diamond, a blokey bloke who loves his footy, enjoys a beer and lives in a simple home in the suburbs,” Parkinson said.<\/p>\n
“Harry doesn’t tend to mince his words when he talks. Some would say he can be a bit rude and crude.<\/p>\n
“But where he shines is in his unconditional love and support for his son, Jeff.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Harry shows us all that masculinity isn’t about breaking down someone who is different to you, but accepting their differences and loving and supporting them for it.”<\/p>\n Parkinson believes the play’s lasting appeal lies in its universal themes.<\/p>\n “The play’s themes of acceptance, family and belonging still resonate today because, as humans, we all want to be loved, understood and accepted for who we are,” he said.<\/p>\n “Harry and Jeff’s strong father-son relationship shows the importance of unconditional support within families, and I believe these values can easily extend beyond the family to society as a whole.<\/p>\n “While society has become more accepting of differences in people, issues of prejudice and identity still exist.”<\/p>\n The Murwillumbah production will be staged in an intimate theatre-in-the-round format, with audiences seated on three sides of the performance space to create a more immersive experience.<\/p>\n “So my thoughts were, what is the best way to deliver the show to the audience? Which is why we are presenting it with the audience on three sides, with the front row only a metre away from the stage,” Parkinson said.<\/p>\n “The actors will be delivering some lines directly to the audience, so they will feel like they’re sitting in the set with the actors.”<\/p>\n Beyond entertaining audiences, Parkinson said he hopes the production sparks wider discussion.<\/p>\n “I hope audiences can reflect on the importance of acceptance, empathy and unconditional love within families and the wider community,” he said.<\/p>\n “When you consider this play was written 36 years ago, perhaps they may consider how far we have come regarding acceptance and understanding, not just about a person’s sexuality but about all the wonderful diversity we have in the people around us.”<\/p>\n The Sum of Us will be performed at Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre from 23 July to 2 August. Tickets are available through TryBooking.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MORE than three decades after it first challenged audiences with its portrayal of a loving father and his gay son, The Sum of Us is returning to the stage in Murwillumbah with a message director David Parkinson believes remains just as relevant today as when it was written. Presented by Murwillumbah Theatre Company from 23 […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2026\/07\/8Q2A5893_83914.jpeg\")