Soul of Possum, at fortyfivedownstairs - 70 minutes

The ugly threat of colonialism looms large in Brodie Murray’s well realised Soul of Possum.

We are on the Murray River – Wamba Wamba country – in 1853.

Suddenly, the bush is devoid of its usual wildlife.

There is an unseen danger. 

Photos by Darren Gill

Wirramanda (Balla Neba) tries to warn brothers from another clan, but they are immediately dismissive.

However, before long, the elder of the pair, Warru (Wimiya Woodley), senses the peril too, causing a falling out with his sibling Dindi (Brodie Murray).

On a paddle steamer, Captain Cooper Gibbins (Leigh Scully) has come to open up the frontier and he won’t let anything or anyone stand in his way.

Among those journeying with him are the antagonistic Lieutenant Lachlan Bankes (Gabriel Partington) and affable botanist Dr Anthony Wilkins (Kevin Dee).

There is also deck hand Willard Yates (Luke Mason), a petty convict, but a good man, who has been given a second chance by the Captain.

Lieutenant Bankes doesn’t like the closeness Yates has forged with the Captain and determines to bring him down, so Bankes frames Yates. 

While, internal power struggles are taking place between both white and indigenous peoples, the biggest looming threat remains that of the gun toting colonialists.

However, Wirramanda recognises that not all white men are cut from the same cloth.

Soul of Possum is a powerful piece, which brings with it shame at watching the dastardly, racist behaviour manifest.

Playwright Murray has drawn on stories handed down from his grandfather and father to tell a historical thriller.

It explores the contrasting relationships settlers and Blak peoples have with Country, ecology, leadership and spirituality.

Gabriel Partington is positively villainous as Lieutenant Lachlan Bankes. I felt like booing him every time he appeared, a sure sign that he was doing just as required.

Leigh Scully is hardly any better as the scheming and volatile captain.

Balla Neba brings urgency to Wirramanda.

Wimiya Woodley is more reflective and cautious as Warru than Brodie Murray’s realisation of Dindi’s headstrong and argumentative brother Dindi.

Integrity and decency are the watchwords for Kevin Dee as Dr Wilkins.

Luke Mason is forever struggling for traction as the subservient Willard Yates.

All actors perform commendably, with real “heat” generated.

The backdrop includes several visual images of the mighty Murray and a redolent possum totem.

Sound designer BJ Keene has given us evocative natural effects, alongside foreboding and dramatic music stings.

Costume designer Adrienne Chisholm contrasts the light cream uniforms of the soldiers with the more utilitarian and casual attire of the Aboriginals.

Director Beng Oh generates intensity and feeling throughout the production, which leads to a reflection on the harm caused and how it continues to resonate today.

Soul of Possum is a tough, heartfelt production on at fortyfivedownstairs until 14^th December, 2025.