37 – The Melbourne Theatre Company (VIC)

Written by Nathan Maynard, directed by Isaac Drandic.

37 takes aim at your heart and wins itself a Brownlow

Reviewed by Paige Quinn
Southbank Theatre, Melbourne
Until 22nd February, 2025
Tickets: https://www.mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/season-2025/37/

Type: Play/Comedy/Drama/Australian
If you liked: Trophy Boys, The Club and AFL.

Nathan Maynard’s enlightening and conversational work 37, returned to Melbourne this week for a successful and lively opening night at the Southbank Theatre. Produced with the Melbourne Theatre Company and directed by Isaac Drandic, this show proves itself to be a must-watch, not only for Australian theatre-goers but for all Australians and international audiences alike. With two seemingly separate worlds coming together, 37 reminds us that this is the power of theatre that we rave about.

Maynard, a Trawlwoolway theatre-maker from Larapuna country (Lutrawita/Tasmania), combines the seemingly opposing worlds of theatre and sport, erasing the lines of creative possibilities within storywriting and opening up space for new audiences, interest and conversations. With his honest and gritty writing, Maynard has created a culturally rich story that explores Aboriginal identity, struggle and celebration, set during the era of First Nations AFL player Adam Goodes’ war cry.

The narrative follows Jayma (Ngali Shaw) and Sonny (Tibian Wyles), two First Nations boys joining the Cutting Cove community football club, where they are met with differing responses from their teammates. As Jayma fights back against their racist language and behaviour, he is excluded, whilst Sonny, who tries to ignore his teammates’ digs at his cultural heritage, is welcomed and valued as a ‘team player’. 

These opposing treatments of Jayma and Sonny, based on whether or not they choose to put their culture before success and ‘sportsmanship’, brings to light cultural awareness and morality; an important and ongoing conversation for Australian audiences. Maynard is not afraid to push potentially uncomfortable, problematic language and themes in his writing. The audience doesn’t get a chance to run away from, ignore and deny the questionable behaviours that can come with the colonial and patriarchal structures of elite athletics and sports. Instead, they are asked to sit and listen, observe and question, understand and recognise, and continue these conversations outside the theatre. 

…a spectacular and honest production that will continue making its mark

Isaac Drandic, director and co-choreographer alongside Waangenga Blanco work together to create mesmerising dance and movement sequences that are sure to leave audiences breathless. Each time the actors fall into a dance sequence, specifically Shaw and Wyles as they lead the other players in traditionally inspired contemporary dances, it is like they become entranced within their own movements and voices. In turn, the audience has no choice but to fall into the same powerful and spiritual dream-like state that the actors are experiencing on stage. It was spell-binding and beautifully choreographed. 

Honourable mention for outstanding acting has to include Syd Brisbane as ‘The General’. His character, inspired by gruff AFL coaches we know so well – the ones that have never won a premiership flag and are convinced that this year will be the year – was nuanced and complex. Brisbane was able to grasp the internal fight of The General’s unwavering desire to win the flag, and how this manifests into his inconsistent treatment of Jayma. 

Samuel Buckley also drew the audience’s attention in the role of ‘Apples’, a Cutting Cove team-mate. His wonderful comedic timing had the audience in the palm of his hands roaring with laughter multiple times throughout the show. From the beginning, you feel comfortable watching Buckley as Apples, knowing that you are going to be entertained and comforted, as he welcomes the audience to laugh with him and at him. 

37 is a production that will make you laugh, shock you, get you angry and get you thinking. By bringing 37 back to Melbourne stages, MTC has created a spectacular and honest production that will continue making its mark.

Theatre Thought: If you are a fan of AFL, do you think elements of the theatre are seen within the games? Should more players be welcomed within the theatre world like Shane Crawford?

CAST
SYD BRISBANE The General
MITCHELL BROTZ Gorby
SAMUEL BUCKLEY Apples
BLAKE DRAPER Ant
THOMAS LARKIN GJ
BEN O’TOOLE Joe
EDDIE ORTON Woodsy
ANTHONY STANDISH Dazza
NGALI SHAW Jayma
TIBIAN WYLES Sonny

CREATIVES
NATHAN MAYNARD Writer
ISAAC DRANDIC Director & Co-Choreographer
DALE FERGUSON Set & Costume Designer
BEN HUGHES Lighting Designer
JAMES HENRY Composer & Sound Designer
WAANGENGA BLANCO Co-Choreographer