Young actor Breythe left Kalgoorlie dreaming of a dazzling career.
Now he’s found himself starring in a controversial Australia Day ad that pays big, but draws the ire of his mob. Racism is subtle but persistent in an industry where directors request he darken up for ‘authenticity’ and typecast him as ‘tracker,’ ‘drinker’ or ‘thief’.
Returning home, Breythe’s just as alienated from country and lore. His cultural capital distances him from furious brother Mateo and activist sister Carina, all of them struggling with regret and responsibility after their father’s death.
City of Gold is Meyne Wyatt’s howl of rage at the injustice, inequality and willful amnesia of this country’s 21st century. The global Black Lives Matter movement and more Deaths in Custody in Australia show not enough has changed. This is still an urgent and necessary play for our times from a vital voice.
