Birripi, Worimi, Waddi Waddi and Walbunga actor Guy Simon is taking on one of the most challenging roles of his career in Jacky, which runs at Belvoir St Theatre from 16 January to 2 February 2025 as part of Sydney Festival's Blak Out program.

The play, written by Declan Furber Gillick, delves into themes of identity, brotherhood, and cultural navigation through the story of a young, queer Indigenous man trying to find his place in the city.

Simon first encountered the play during a workshop on Zoom during the pandemic.

"At the time, I didn't think I could do it," he said.

"After COVID, I was approached again, and I felt ready to tackle something that would push me as an artist."

Simon noted the technical challenge of the role, as Jacky remains on stage throughout the whole performance.

The character's multifaceted identity resonated with Mr Simon, who drew from his own experiences as a queer black fella living in the city.

"I think the best place to start was from myself," he said.

"Like many of us, there's this code-switching when we move between different spaces—family, work, and life in the city."

Simon praised the play's ability to explore these dynamics while shedding light on broader societal hurdles.

"It shows how challenging it can be for Blackfellas to navigate cities that weren't built for us, layered with the additional challenges of being queer and Indigenous," he said.

Reflecting on the collaborative process, Simon shared his enthusiasm for the cast, which includes Greg Stone, Mandy McElhinney and newcomer Danny Howard.

"Greg and I worked together before, so having him on this journey with me has been great," Simon said.

"It's also exciting to work with new talent like Danny, fresh out of drama school."

Outside of acting, Simon recently stepped into directing, assisted by his receipt of the 2023 Balnaves Fellowship.

He assisted in directing August: Osage County earlier this year, an experience he described as rewarding.

"It was great to watch actors like Greg Stone work without the pressure of learning lines myself," Simon said.

"It's been a busy year, but incredibly fulfilling."

Simon hopes audiences leave Jacky with a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and acceptance.

"It's about provoking conversations, particularly around the queer Indigenous community and the unique struggles they face," he said.

"The play may be heightened, but it reflects very real challenges."

Playing alongside Jacky as part of the Blak Out program is Redfern Renaissance, a series of workshops, panels, and performances celebrating the legacy of the National Black Theatre.

The program highlights two iconic works, The Cake Man by Robert Merritt and Here Comes the N****r by Gerry Bostock, as well as new productions exploring First Nations stories and futures.