Deborah Mailman 'I'M SO incredibly PROUD'

THE BELOVED ACTRESS DISCUSSES HER VISIBILITY AS AN INDIGENOUS PERFORMER AND FINDING MEANINGFUL WORK

- Gavin Scott 

If there’s one thing Deborah Mailman has learnt playing MP Alex Irving in three seasons of Total Control, it’s that she could not follow the same career path as her character. “I will never be a politician!” she says. “I could not do it in my wildest dreams. I do take my hat off – it’s an incredible sacrifice and responsibility politicians sign up for.”

While the 51-year-old actress isn’t about to hit the campaign trail, she says the drama about Australia’s political system has been her most rewarding work. “Total Control has probably been the highlight for me in terms of the character and the production and what we’re saying,” Mailman tells WHO.

Following Mabo and Redfern Now, it is Mailman’s latest collaboration with production company Blackfella Films, whose focus on telling impactful Indigenous stories ensures it “feels like my home professionally”.

“I really believe in the kind of work they’re trying to create,” she says, adding that audiences have been incredibly receptive. “There’s been a real education and embracing of our First Nations stories and cultures. I think people are more wanting to make that a part of our national narrative. It’s being celebrated more than it’s ever been celebrated, despite the result of the referendum.”

As viewers have followed Alex’s journey from inexperienced senator to political power player, Mailman says she is “so incredibly proud” of her visibility as an Indigenous performer.