REVIEW: Dear Son

Dear Son is a somewhat non linear verbatim piece constructed out of 12 letters written from indigenous men to their sons or fathers. The idea took root after the tragic no vote in 2023, and let something tender and hopeful be alchemised out of something raw. It runs for approximately 70 minutes with no interval. 

'Dear Son' at Belvoir Street Theatre Images by Stephen Wilson Barker

I have long held the belief that adults should read children's books. I know it seems like an odd infantilised thing to do, but I truly think the world would be a better place if we did. Within every children's book is an instruction manual in its simplest form, showing us how to behave, how to feel and how to express ourselves. Laid out on their pages are things we often forget like ‘I love you’, ‘when I grow up I want to be kind’ and ‘imagine how we would be if we were less afraid’. I see Dear Son as a children's book, simple at the outset, obviously told with no hidden metaphor, but with a profoundly true message. It is simple and at some points it tells you how to feel, but it is honest, beautiful and it reminds us how to behave. 

I should preface that the night I attended the show one of the actors was ill. Luckily they had an original cast member, Aaron Pedersen who stepped in. My commendations to him, he had not picked up the script in six months but went on off book and delivered a nuanced and emotional performance. In fact every performance that night felt emotionally charged, coming from a deep part within the actors. It felt as though they were sharing a piece of their heart with you. However the tone of the piece felt oddly casual and very calm, with actors sometimes stumbling over things and guitars having to be re-tuned. This did not significantly detract from the overall show, instead the laid backness of it lent into the idea that this was a safe and convivial space to share stories and learn from each other.

'Dear Son' at Belvoir Street Theatre Images by Stephen Wilson Barker

The first thing I was taken by in the show was the set. From the first moment you walk in you’re invited into the space with its natural elements and warm tone, it seems to almost say welcome home, take off your shoes, you can relax now. The lighting design on the outset felt somewhat youthful and seemed to scream at you at points about what the message was. But I do have a personal gripe with walls of text and words lit on to actors. However, as the show began to spin with magic so did the lights and I feel like they perfectly reflected the show tonally. From its spotlights, repeated dialogue and break outs into song, this show is simple and some would argue obvious, but I would argue sometimes we need obvious. I’m not sure if this piece would have been more impactful if stripped back as simply the 5 actors reading the 12 letters unaltered, but I will say the thought did cross my mind (I’ll chalk it up to personal taste).

Do not go into this show expecting to be revolutionised, instead expect to be reminded, to be held gently and to be loved. The message of this show was one of love, and it truly got that message across.

3 Stars!

'Dear Son' is playing at The Belvoir St Theatre until the 25th of January