STOP THAT NONSENSE | Nicholas ‘Prince’ Milverton & IMA

The Institute of Modern Art (IMA) invited Nicholas ‘Prince’ Milverton to write a short theatre piece in response to their current exhibition by Jenn Nkuru (REBIRTH IS NECESSARY) in which this visionary artist ‘’explores the magic and dynamism of Blackness’’

Drawing on Jenn Nkuru’s award-winning artworks for inspiration the playwright formulated the script for STOP THAT NONSENSE, a 20 minute theatre piece that was staged for one night only in the intimate surrounds of the Institute of Modern Art. 

Also in response to that request and according to the playwright, even though his short theatre piece does explore the idea that ‘rebirth is necessary’, he chose instead to focus on how that rebirth has come about by using the lens of blackness to reach an outcome. 

Set against a backdrop that read ‘’THE BLACK ECSTATIC CANNOT BE CONTAINED’’ this sold-out show was performed by three accomplished local actors who, judging from the enthusiastic applause by the audience, are highly respected for their on-stage skills and which were not lost on this theatre lover. 

STOP THAT NONSENSE captures the dynamics within a Black family - the father (Linford), the mother (Evelyn) and their professional boxer son (Sanka). From the outset it is clear that Evelyn is opposed to her son’s chosen profession whereas Linford who doubles as Sanka’s coach, makes no pretense of how proud he is of his son’s achievements. However, unbeknown to his father, Sanka has misgivings about whether to continue with his boxing career. His conflict is palpable as he struggles with the idea of confessing his real feelings to his father. Sympathetic of the relationship between father and son and mindful of her husband’s reaction, Evelyn gently persuades Sanka to be honest and to express his feelings about his intention of abandoning the sport to his beloved father.

Minimal props and a robust, original, local and internationally produced soundtrack underscored this captivating theatre piece with strong performances by Samuel Silver (father), Fikrte Bushell (mother) and Daniel Udo Jnr. (son). Clearly STOP THAT NONSENSE is a play about black excellence, but more importantly the pressures so closely associated with being black in a world that demands that a black person work even harder than their white counterparts to prove their worth. The no holds barred dialogue is indeed an apt reminder that further emphasises this recurring theme which is played out and experienced in real life almost every day. 

I found the title intriguing. STOP THAT NONSENSE was a phrase commonly used by my own mum when she was trying to sway me from making a decision that she disagreed with. In answer to my question and confirming my initial hunch, the playwright agreed that he chose the title as it ‘’screams parental guidance’’. 

For this lover of the theatre, choosing the sport of boxing as the vernacular to tell the story is a splendid choice. It reinforced my feelings that boxing is more often than not associated with violence which in turn is associated with being a certain race aka black. This allows for even more interesting connotations within the realm of a society where systemic racism is still rife.

In spite of its brevity, STOP THAT NONSENSE managed to touch on what it takes for a young black man to excel with the loving support of his adoring parents and set within the context of race, privilege and perception underpinned by colonialism. I look forward to the playwright expanding STOP THAT NONSENSE into a full-length work where the many levels of black excellence can be explored in greater depth. 

The art and theatre scene in Brisbane is a slow burn and it is an uplifting experience to be privy to its phenomenal growth across these sectors and more. The saying ‘’It takes a village…’’ was never more true on the night when the predominantly BIPOC audience turned up in record numbers to support their brothers and sisters. 

Congratulations to IMA for this phenomenal collaboration with ‘Prince’ Milverton. And to ‘Prince’, keep shining brightly as you continue to hone your skills as a teller of profound stories.