Ilbijerri Theatre Company and Belvoir present Beautiful One Day at Footscray Community Arts Centre.
A remounting of the original 2012 production, the work explores the death of Mulrunji Doomadgee, who died in police custody on Palm Island in 2004. The four-act play features three residents of Palm Island, including Doomadgee’s niece Kylie Doomadgee, to present a story that charts the history of repression of Palm Island residents. The work is confronting, making the powerful case that the events of Palm Island demonstrate this repression has not ended. The work is exceptionally researched, combining a variety of sources to chart the history of the island and to present the events of 2004 in this wider context. The performers are relatable and charming – Harry Reuben at the beginning of the work confesses to being shy in front of an audience before asking everyone to turn off their mobile phones. The greatest strength is how the work lets Palm Islanders tell their own story to foster greater understanding about the events of 2004. The presentation of taped interviews of long-time Palm Island residents in their call for the government to let the residents decide their own future is effective and poignant. Beautiful One Day is an important work, gripping in its delivery and execution.
