The story of Australia's first signed Indigenous Olympian, Francis Roy "Frank" Roberts, will be shared on stage by his cousin, Rhoda Roberts AO in NORPA's 'My Cousin Frank' at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Set to run July 9-12, My Cousin Frank will make its Naarm/Melbourne debut during NAIDOC Week.

The compelling storytelling experience is written and performed by Roberts. In her "extraordinary feat of solo storytelling" (InDaily), Roberts introduces audiences to her cousin Frank, a man who spent his entire life fighting tirelessly, both in the boxing ring and for his family and culture.

A Widjabul Wia-bal and Githabul man, Frank or "Honest Frank", as he was known, was raised on the Cubawee Reserve just outside of Lismore in New South Wales. From a family thoroughly immersed in boxing, Frank competed at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in the welterweight division as the first Aboriginal athlete to gain selection.

First premiering last year to sold-out seasons at Byron Theatre and Star Court Theatre in Lismore, My Cousin Frank was also recently brought to the national stage with another sold-out season at Adelaide Festival earlier this year.

Roberts said she is proud to be sharing this part of her family story and personally shedding light on a too-often overlooked piece of Australian history.

"The process of writing this story has been a deeply personal and transformative one, involving extensive research, community consultation, and my own reflections. It's been a journey of uncovering my family's history and ensuring the authenticity of the narrative, all while aiming to make an impact on the audience," she said.

"My Cousin Frank serves as both a celebration of achievements and a call for deeper reflection on our past and the work still to be done.

"It struck me that Lismore is home to Australia's first Aboriginal Olympian signed to an Olympic Team, a fact that had been largely overlooked. Imagine how proud Lismoreans would be to know this part of their history. Since working on the project with the team, now, they do see him – cousin Frank has become a warrior, a sportsman, a local hero, and his story is no longer overlooked. Knowing of cousin Frank's contributions has earned him the respect and admiration he truly deserves, ensuring our people have visibility, making sure our voices are heard.

"This story is a national story – a First Nations family's journey in Australia's tumultuous era of dispersal and silence to navigating a world controlled by Government policy. A story of a young man's journey that deeply resonates with NAIDOC Week's 2025 themes of strength, vision and legacy."

My Cousin Frank is presented as part of this year's NAIDOC Week, an opportunity for Australians to celebrate, learn and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year marks a powerful milestone, 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture and resilience.

Following its presentation in Melbourne, My Cousin Frank will tour to Wodonga's HotHouse Theatre August 13-16 this year, with further destinations to be announced.

This performance contains themes, stories, and historical truths that may be confronting, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences. It may include references to racism, discrimination, and the impacts of past government policies on First Nations peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences are advised that this performance may contain names, voices, and stories of people who have passed.

My Cousin Frank written and told by Rhoda Roberts AO wil show from the 9th – 12th of July 2025.

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