Fran sits behind the wheel of a spotless Troopy, somewhere on the streets of Broome, quietly in command.
Teenagers and relatives fill the car, voices overlapping with family tension and constant chatter. Still, Fran sets the rules.
This Kimberley moment is one of many explored in Because We're Blak, a new play by emerging local playwright Melody Dia, set to premiere in Broome next week.
Developed through Goolarri Media's First Nations Writers Program, the play draws on real events to tell a Broome story shaped by family, culture, racism, policing and the fallout from the Voice referendum.
Presented by Goolarri Media Enterprises with Melbourne's ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, the production is a major step for Indigenous theatre in the region.
Goolarri describes it as the first major Indigenous play to premiere in Broome, a rare feat in a place where the cost and logistics of staging professional theatre are steep.
At its centre is Fran, a single mother navigating Broome's streets with her children and extended family packed into her Troopy. Through her, the play explores the humour, pressure and resilience woven into Kimberley family life.
"Like so many Broome mob, our families are Indigenous and mixed with other cultures that arrived here over the last century," Ms Dia said.
"This story was inspired by something that actually happened to our family, but in the hands of this incredible creative team, it has become so much more. I think this story will resonate with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences alike."
Acclaimed theatre-maker Dr Rachael Maza AM directs the production, bringing a distinctly Kimberley voice to the stage.
"There is something about the stories from here that are like no other," Dr Maza said.
"This play, with such beautiful, recognisable characters, is funny but serious, brimming with life and real-life issues that we all recognise. It's a mature story that welcomes you, the audience, to sit down and have a conversation with us mob. I guarantee you will go away changed — and entertained at the same time."
Goolarri Media Enterprises chief executive and senior producer, Jodie Bell, said the premiere was an important moment for Broome and for the organisation's work developing First Nations writers in the Kimberley.
"We are thrilled to be premiering this new work in Broome in our first-ever co-production with ILBIJERRI," Ms Bell said.
"I don't know of another local Indigenous play that has premiered in our hometown due to the enormous cost and logistical challenges involved. This production showcases the strength of our thriving writers program and the extraordinary talent emerging from the Kimberley."
Roxanne McDonald leads the cast as Fran, joined by Melodie Reynolds-Diarra, Shontane Farmer, Tre Maclou and Peter Docker.
