Destiny (MTC), at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner - 100 minutes, without interval

Fear and activism sit alongside one another in a deeply felt, personal story about apartheid, set in South Africa in January 1976.

In this world premiere production, the focus is on a “coloured” family, which has lost its matriarch.

After several years away studying, 24-year-old Ezra Jones (Barry Conrad) returns to his hometown in Natal.

He says it is to visit his mother and sisters, but his former girlfriend, Della Meth (Kirsty Marillier), knows otherwise.

He surprises her when he accompanies her security guard father, Cliff (Patrick Williams), home one day.

Although she is unquestionably drawn to him (and he to her), she knows that he is trouble.

Photos by Pia Johnson

Following in his father’s footsteps, he has always been an activist, standing up to and speaking out about the ruthless white nationalist government.

She is wary of his motive for returning.

She is also concerned about the influence he will be on her impressionable 16-year-old brother, Rocky (Gaz Dutlow), who admires him.

In light of the hostile political climate, she is worried about putting even one foot wrong – she is keen to stay under the radar.

She is intent on keeping Rocky safe and out of trouble, and her father’s drinking in check, but it won’t be long before her greatest fears are realised.

South African born playwright Kirsty Marillier (who, as I have already mentioned, also plays the lead) was born in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region of South African in 1990.

Two others in the six-strong cast, namely Barry Conrad and 32-year-old Gaz Dutlow, who plays teenager Rocky, also have a South African background.

Their parents lived through apartheid.

Marillier spent a year researching the era before putting pen to paper, creating a moving fictitious story based on what was happening in South Africa at the time.

Destiny was commissioned and developed through Melbourne Theatre Company’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program.

It is insightful, distressing and potent. It sets out to push buttons and succeeds in doing so.

It takes us back to an era of repression, where interrogations by the Special Branch were ruthless and people simply disappeared, never to be seen again.

So many lived in fear.

Marillier’s character, Della, is at the forefront of that dread and in a powerful performance she frequently lashes out to try to protect her nearest and dearest.

Cheeky, adrenaline charged, youthful enthusiasm is the mainstay of Gaz Dutlow’s portrayal of Rocky.

Patrick Williams brings a laid-back air to their father, Cliff, who is also tuneful when crooning a noteworthy song, which sees out the piece.

There is an arrogance, bravado and determination about Ezra, as well realised by Barry Conrad.

Late in the play, two additional characters enter the fray.

Clare Chihambakwe appears as Ezra’s concerned mum, Mrs Jones, who has experienced first-hand the impact of the oppressive South African secret police.

That roughshod sense of entitlement and overreach is scarily manifested by John Shearman.

Set and costume designer Sophie Woodward has created an imposing and impressive tripartite set.

Much of the action takes place in the Meth family’s home and in their yard, while some scenes occur in the general store, where Della works.

The tone is established and mood set with evocative lighting and sound, the work of Kelsey Lee and Kelly Ryall respectively.

Director Zindzi Okeynyo helms a tightly wound, tension-filled drama with romantic and comedic elements that resonates profoundly.

It is on at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner until 13^th September, 2025.