Set in regional South Africa during the horrendous Apartheid era, Destiny by actor and playwright Kirsty Marillier, examines a family held together by grief as the past re-emerges and personal loss is overtaken by a bigger revolutionary cause. Della (played by Marillier) is in her mid-twenties and struggling to juggle dual roles of pseudo-mother and daughter whilst trying to keep her younger brother out of trouble and her dad from drinking himself into an early grave. Just as Della feels she has this under control, an ex- boyfriend, Ezra Jones (a charismatic and manipulative Barry Conrad) reenters with revolutionary ideas that ultimately ends in heartbreak.

Marillier has created a powerful and endearing example of what everyday people have to overcome to survive and to keep some resemblance of hope alive under such an horrendous regime that is so much a part of recent history.

Marillier plays Della with such honesty and her relationships with her brother Rocky (a joyous Gaz Dutlow), and her Father, Cliff (Patrick Williams) are the most beautiful parts in this production. Williams as Cliff gives a low key and dignified performance
especially during the interrogation scene with the unlikeable policeman (John Shearman).

Director Zindzi Okenyo has allowed her actors to breath and react so humanely with each other allowing the strength of family to shine through. The interaction between Della and Cliff, whether in anger or in quiet contemplation, is wonderful. Set design by Sophie Woodward, also responsible for costumes, was sublime. Using three distinct sets to enhance the story. Her subtle use of the exterior enhanced and gave depth to the interior scenes. A cloudy sky with hints of blue to symbolise hope – hope of equality, hope of change, hope of a better future was genius and sympathetically lit by designer Kelsey Lee Kirsty. Marillier has created a powerful and endearing example of what people have to overcome just to survive the everyday – dealing with evil and injustice whilst trying to live with hope and dignity.

Written and produced with the support of MTC’s Nextstage Writers’ Program, it’s always refreshing to hear a new Australian Voice