Meet Your Maker | Alethea Beetson & Blak Social
“Meet Your Maker is not based on a true story… but it is based on a true feeling.”
Alethea Beetson - creator/performer.
Image: Jade Ellis
Let’s have some fun; Who really made this; Let’s honour the ancestors - a few of the cryptic statements emblazoned across a screen welcomes the audience into this intimate space.
A disembodied voice reminds us to “Turn your phone off. Fuck ya!” And then… the video screen crackles to life (the first of many). A parody unfolds referencing the horror genre and starring Alethea Beetson accompanied by her scary alter ego (think Scary Movie). This is the precursor to a dialogue that bristles with truth-telling referencing colonialism and its impact on Indigenous pop culture.
Set in the fictional universe of Queen’s City (written and directed by Beetson, this play had its debut premiere in 2022, check out our review here), Beetson’s attempt at re-imagining a world where Indigenous communities were given their land back is fueled by an original music score and powerful lyrical compositions. Captivating videos are central to the unfolding of her story-telling and profoundly impactful on its deliverance. Compelling song renditions and catchy dance routines are conveyed with aplomb and finesse by an exciting bunch of First Nations talent - Moss, Mark Munk Ross, Loki Liddle, Sue Ray, Reece Bowden, Jhindu-Pedro Lawrie - throughout this 90 minute debut production in which Katina Olsen’s top-notch choreography oozes charisma and is visually appealing. Elders Aunty Roxanne McDonald and Aunty Colleen Wall guided the production as cultural dramaturgs.
Captivating and clever in its rendition, Ken Weston’s video design skills are certainly praiseworthy placing his work front and foremost within each scene. Beetson’s one-woman performance doesn’t miss a beat (no pun intended) as she sings, dances, plays instruments and interacts with these high calibre videos that unfold sequentially across the dominant screen. Her interaction with each is truly commendable and authentic in its fast-paced delivery and simultaneously, convincing enough to blur the boundary of video versus Beetson’s on-stage presence. Undoubtedly, her expert delivery highlights her outstanding skills as a performer who commands the stage with every beat.
Underscored by Brady Watkins lush soundscape, Beetson’s powerfully evocative dialogue embodies multiple video personas as she schools us into re-imagining the land back era while traversing back in time to meet her makers, her ancestors.
Image: Jade Ellis
Costume designer Neta-Rie Mabo’s original embellished fashion statement wardrobe pieces are stylish, eye-catching and effective in keeping with the ever-changing moods. Colourful sequins and sparkly fringes adorn jackets and boots - a quick change of one or the other contributing to the nuanced scenes. Notably, Beetson is adept at her numerous rapid fire costume changes, never missing her cue in this fast-paced process.
The original soundtrack (Meet Your Maker - The Era’s Soundtrack) is phenomenal, bold, forthright and honest featuring Beetson on vocals as she effortlessly covers multiple contrasting music genres. Colony Is A Drag is delivered with a larrikin country and western twist ; Nothin’ But A Diamond, a (reluctant)romantic ballad while Land Back Era is fearless and seething with undeniable yearning.
The set design appears simple. Two steps underscore the huge screen that dominates the central area. Separate panels on all four sides complete the set-up. But don’t be fooled! As the play unfolds, Rozina Suliman’s cleverly devised compartmentalised set design morphs and changes revealing previously concealed spaces, the last of which is astonishing in detail.
Overall Beetson’s dialogue is forthright, radical, honest and sometimes acerbic, never wavering from her intention to ensure that the real history of this place is at the forefront of her truth-telling.
Meet Your Maker is undeniably so much more than a high-octane, pop-fuelled debut. With Beetson at the helm, it is a one-woman unmissable performance feat on steroids, without the steroids!
If you know.
You know.
‘Meet Your Maker’ plays at the Brisbane Powerhouse from 31 August to 7 September as part of the 2024 Brisbane Festival.
Image supplied by BrisFest
