Identity in multicultural Australia captivates Stephen Carleton's celebrated play ‘Bastard Territory’.
Set across three different timelines in Darwin and Papua New Guinea, 'Bastard Territory' is a commentary on the complicated relationship between the two countries. Referencing something few people know much about – the colonisation of PNG by Australia, and the long-reaching ramifications of those events.
'Bastard Territory' definitely handles some tough topics, but as one of the stars Benhur Helwend says, “Stephen Carleton is great at writing comedy, and there are plenty of laughs in there too.” Benhur plays Russell, who was brought from PNG to NT, Australia with his white adoptive parents as a child and eventually seeks information on his birth father. He also runs a hip café/ gallery/ queer cabaret spot with his boyfriend in Darwin.
“In terms of Australia's history this is a really relevant story,” says Benhur. With many expats from PNG having moved to Australia, and plenty of Australians living or working in PNG, this play gives those people a chance to relate to the story, and recall their own experiences. “It's specifically a very Darwin story, but it's also about the search for truth and self, and we can all relate to that.”
Benhur grew up in NT himself, so he feels he can relate to a lot of the stories in 'Bastard Territory'. “What I really love as well is that the playwright has given an opportunity to racially ambiguous actors like myself.” Benhur was working in a café when playwright Stephen Carleton asked him to audition – soon after the show sold out it's debut in Darwin. He agrees with critics's comments of 'Bastard Territory', saying it has elements of a Tennessee Williams play, with a Darwin/ NT spin. “Darwin does feel a little bit New Orleans if you drink the right amount of booze!”
A well-known musician and wiz on the ukelele, Benhur's musical talents were featured on 'Australia's Got Talent' in 2010, and at one point he worked as a clown doctor at various hospitals. Music is still a big passion of his: “Working as an artist and a musician in the health industry, the joy of that is just being able to connect with people.” Benhur says that's the most rewarding part of playing music for people.
The highlight of his musical career was playing at Splendour In The Grass and Bluesfest, as well as opening for Eric Bibb on his national tour. “I'm also hoping to record my first EP this year here in Brisbane, after the show's run is up.”
Benhur is an obvious music-lover, and says the soundtrack of 'Bastard Territory' is a special part of how the story is told. 'Bastard Territory' features music by Suzi Quatro and Shirley Bassey, to name a couple. “It's like a movie in that way, the music paints a great picture of that time.” Benhur talks about the audience being able to immerse themselves in the show thanks to the music, particularly if they have a personal connection to the eras in which the show takes place. As well as feeling empathy for the various characters of 'Bastard Territory', Benhur has one other hope for the show: “I'd like the audience to be taken on a journey of truth, love, and identity.”
‘Bastard Territory’ performs Queensland Theatre Company 6-16 April.
