Award-winning playwright and actor Kristy Marillier presents her latest work, Destiny, an ensemble drama set in 1976 South Africa. The production, commissioned through the Melbourne Theatre Company’s Next Stage Writers’ Program, delves into themes of love, loss, and rebellion against the backdrop of the apartheid regime.
The play unfolds within the confines of the Meth family home, where relationships are tested amid the rising resistance to oppressive policies. Della, portrayed by Marillier, serves as the matriarch, carrying the weight of her family’s grief while caring for her father, Cliff, played by Patrick Williams, and her brother, Rocky, played by Gaz Dutlow. The family’s dynamics shift dramatically with the return of Ezra Jones, a charismatic student activist played by Barry Conrad, who once broke Della’s heart.
As Ezra re-enters their lives, he brings with him a whirlwind of political fervor that captivates Rocky, who yearns for the freedom Ezra represents. The family grapples with their past traumas while contemplating a future defined by hope and activism. The interplay of these complex emotions reflects the broader societal struggles of the time.
Intimate Yet Powerful Setting
The Meth family’s home, marked by a black and white portrait of Della’s deceased mother, serves as a poignant symbol of their losses. Cliff often engages with the photograph, illustrating the deep emotional ties that anchor the family. The design, crafted by Sophie Woodward, creates an inviting yet permeable space, where the outside world intrudes, reminding the characters of the harsh realities beyond their doorstep.
In a notable scene, Della recounts an encounter with a white woman visiting the colored section of town, highlighting the everyday cruelties faced by the Meth family and others marginalized by the apartheid system. Despite the serious themes, the play is punctuated by moments of humor, thanks to the skillful direction of Zindzi Okenyo and the engaging performances of the cast. These lighter moments provide a balance that enriches the narrative, making the characters relatable and endearing.
The title, Destiny, encapsulates the weight of choices and their consequences, suggesting that resistance and rebellion, while fraught with personal cost, also pave the way for hope.
Reflecting on the Legacy of Apartheid
As the play progresses, it becomes clear that the legacy of apartheid continues to resonate, even decades after its official end in 1994. The final scene is particularly striking, as Della performs an act of defiance by smashing a radio that symbolizes control and propaganda. Her glance at the audience serves as an invitation to reflect on the ongoing implications of history and personal responsibility in the fight against injustice.
This moment of direct engagement leaves a lasting impression, urging viewers to consider their role in the ongoing narrative of resistance. The personal stories woven throughout the play resonate deeply, especially as three of the actors share familial ties to the apartheid era, bringing authenticity to their portrayals.
“In a fractured and uncertain time, Destiny reminds us the personal is political,”
said Marillier, emphasizing the intertwined nature of personal experiences and societal issues.
The production of Destiny is currently running at the Melbourne Theatre Company until September 13, offering audiences a powerful exploration of a pivotal period in South African history through the lens of a family’s intimate struggles and triumphs.
