Perth Voice Interactive

HOMELESSNESS, Aboriginality and the blinding speed of technology are explored in James Taylor’s play Hobo.

“Change has been steady throughout history, but over the last 20–30 years technology has absolutely exploded,” the 26-year-old says.

“It’s made so many things possible, but I don’t think our brains can keep up with it.”

And if young brains such as Taylor’s struggle, he spares a thought for those who grew up before the advent of the internet age and mobile phones.

Toss in asylum seekers, ISIS and the state of the economy and the plot thickens, Taylor says: “A lot of people are dealing with difficult stuff.”

But he’s not offering solutions through his play: “People might feel they find an answer…[But] I’m only 26. I don’t have answers myself.”

Hobo is a provocative look at what it’s like to be a man in an age of identity crisis.

Fred has lost everything, wife, kids, money — and the respect he once had as a long-running radio personality.

“They brought in a fresh-faced female producer to breathe life back into his show…but he resisted…pushed things too far and ended up on a sexual harassment charge,” Taylor says.

When the audience meets Fred (played by James Hagen) he’s living in an alley with homeless Aboriginal man Tank (played by Maitland Schnaars).

With nothing much to do and plenty to say, they share a camaraderie, strengthened by a love of music and witty banter.

Content in his self-imposed exile, Fred gets an unexpected visit from his estranged son Terry (Chris Bell), which shakes the foundations of his new reality. Bell’s actor’s bio says he’s been “frighteningly close to the edge countless times, and completely sober for two years”, and has lived on the streets.

He and Taylor both served in the navy: “[He’s] one of the biggest role models I have ever had in my life,” Taylor says.

Hobo is the WA Academy of Performing Arts Aboriginal Theatre graduate’s debut as a director and playwright.

It is made possible thanks to Playwriting Australia and Yirra Yaakin Theatre’s next step program, helping to further indigenous artists.

It’s part of the Blue Room’s Summer Nights program during the Perth Fringe Festival and is on January 22–25. Tix $25 at fringeworld.com.au