A new play titled Destiny invites audiences to consider a provocative question: What would happen if your former partner became an anti-apartheid revolutionary? This exploration unfolds at the Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, where the cast is currently rehearsing. Written by and starring Kirsty Marillier, the play is set in a small town on the outskirts of South Africa, far from the political machinations of Pretoria.
In Destiny, Marillier portrays Della, who works in a local shop while caring for her younger brother and father. The rehearsal space features a mock-up set that evokes the play’s setting, characterized by earthy tones and sparse towns nestled among African hills. Vintage 1970s fashion, including flared pants and polyester shirts, adds a vibrant layer to the production. The backdrop reveals a wide-open sky, symbolizing both freedom and the looming challenges of the era.
The plot thickens with the return of Della’s ex-boyfriend Ezra, played by Barry Conrad. Having recently returned from university, Ezra brings with him ideas about equality and revolution, infused with a Cape Town accent. He has undergone a transformation, described as being “conscientised,” a term that carries significant weight in the context of the struggle against apartheid. Ezra’s message resonates with Della’s brother as he urges him to reject the oppressive nationalist regime, likening their situation to “sour milk in a bottle” that must be “smashed.”
Marillier humorously encapsulates the play’s central tension, stating, “I’ve been describing the play as, ‘What would you do if the guy who shattered your heart into pieces was also trying to recruit your brother into the revolution?’” This personal conflict against a backdrop of political upheaval adds depth to the narrative.
The cast is rounded out by Patrick Williams as Della’s father Cliff and Gaz Dutlow as her rebellious teenage brother. Director Zindzi Okenyo, known for her work with the Sydney Theatre Company, directs the production. Okenyo previously directed Marillier’s debut play, Orange Thrower, in 2022, establishing a collaborative relationship that continues with this new project.
While the exact location of the play remains unspecified, it is suggested that it takes place in a region near KwaZulu-Natal, where Marillier was born. Her family’s history is closely intertwined with the legacy of apartheid. Both her parents attended segregated schools, and she was born into the final years of the regime.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Marillier recalls asking her parents about their experiences. “The amount of times I was like, ‘What happened?’” she says. “But they’re reluctant to go back there. It was a painful time.” Despite the hesitance to revisit the past, Marillier felt compelled to explore it through her writing.
The timeline of Destiny is set in 1976, a pivotal year in South African history just before the Soweto Uprising. The play portrays Della and her family as they remain insulated from the political turmoil that is about to envelop the nation.
Through its compelling narrative and rich character development, Destiny promises to engage audiences not only with a personal story of love and loss but also with the broader historical implications of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. As the cast prepares for opening night, the anticipation builds for what could be a significant addition to the theatrical landscape.
