Little Black Bastard

“Fired by an extraordinary history Little Black Bastard is more than a monologue. Tovey’s eloquent return to shocking ghosts and devastating hardship is a remarkable tale of survival, soul and spirit” - Sydney Morning Herald

Melbourne 1930s. Noel Tovey is one of five children abandoned by his parents. A young Aboriginal boy living on the streets of inner city Melbourne, his childhood memories are scarred with poverty, abuse and neglect. By the age of 17, Noel was determined to escape the country that failed to shelter him. Jump to England where Noel reinvents himself as a dancer, actor, singer, choreographer and director working alongside the UK and Europe’s film and theatre elite.

Having returned to Australia, Noel decided to confront his traumatic childhood the only way he knew how. He put pen to paper. The result is LITTLE BLACK BASTARD.

In this brave autobiographical monologue, Noel recounts his traumatic childhood and yet his indomitable will to survive. He tells his story with candour, dignity and flashes of humour in the ultimate tale of triumph and transformation.

Having toured the show nationally and internationally for over 10 years, Uncle Noel will return the story to the city where it all began. Having conquered the ghosts of his past; LITTLE BLACK BASTARD has been newly developed with a sense of resolution, healing and completion.

WARNING: Performance contains adult themes. Recommended for audiences 12 years and older.

This production has been supported by the City of Melbourne and the Aboriginal Benefits Foundation.

Production History

13 to 15 January 2014 - Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival, Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall

28 June to 9 July 2011 - Origins: Festival of First Nations, Eastern Angles, Sir John Mills Theatre

27 to 31 December 2010 - Dreaming Festival, Woodford

7 to 30 August 2010 -Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Gilded Balloon Teviot

15 to 20 June 2010 - Athenaeum Theatre, Australian Shakespeare Company

5 to 7 February 2009 - Midsumma Festival, Gasworks Arts Park

2 to 7 May 2006 - Herald Theatre, Auckland

8 to 9 February 2005 - Midsumma Festival, Black Box Theatre, The Arts Centre

13 to 16 February 2005 - Perth International Arts Festival, The New Dolphin Theatre

2 to 5 April 2005 - Castlemaine State Festival

23 September to 3 October 2004 - Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir Street Theatre

5 to 9 October 2004 - Glenn Street Theatre, Sydney

30 April to 10 May 2003 - Darlinghurst Theatre

26 to 30 August 2003 - Brown’s Mart Theatre, Darwin Festival

19 March to 5 April 2001 - Carlton Courthouse, La Mama Theatre