Based around themes of acceptance, belonging and family, it’s no surprise that Oliver Phommavanh’s novel Thai-Riffic! has become a staple for school children around the country.
Now, the stage show is making waves for its innovation and representation – and it’s coming to Riverside Theatres this month.
‘Thai-Riffic!’ tells a story reminiscent of Oliver’s own life. The main character, Lengy, is a second-generation Thai Australian, who, as he transitions into high school, becomes embarrassed of the way his parents wore their heritage on their sleeves – especially since they live in a Thai restaurant.
Oliver believes it’s this personal connection that helps the book to resonate with so many.
“Especially with the Asian Australians growing up here, they don’t really feel like they’re that Australian, even though they were born here, or have lived here most of their lives, or perhaps they are more conscious of their parents’ heritage, so they don’t want to speak the language, or wear the clothes, or, in my case here, not want to talk about the food all the time,” he said.
The relatability factor also comes from the humour Oliver used throughout the book, connecting with even more readers.
“I find that it’s that relatable humour that all kids can relate to, in terms of, every kid thinks that their parents are daggy, and a little bit embarrassing, and that cringe sort of comes through,” he said.
This aspect of the novel is something that Oliver has seen shine through in the stage production.
“I’ve been really impressed with how they’ve taken all the best bits – all the humour, all the slapstick humour, all the fun parts of my book – and they’ve put it into the stage production, and they’ve found a way to tell a different part of the story,” he said.
Having left the show in the hands of Nathan Luff very early on, Oliver was happily surprised to see it further explore the lives of more minor characters, such as Lengy’s dad, and his classmate, Hayley. It’s for this reason that those who have read the book already will undoubtedly learn even more from the play, but those who haven’t read the book yet, will be yearning to do so afterwards.
But, Oliver said that adults watching might be craving something else after the show.
“I think if you’re an adult who’s watching this, you’ll really enjoy it as well, because you actually do get to learn a bit more about the Thai culture and heritage through the food, and I guarantee, if you haven’t had dinner before you watch the show, you’ll want to go down to the nearest Thai restaurant to have some Thai food afterwards,” he said.
‘Thai-Riffic!’ will be on at Riverside Theatres on Tuesday, June 28. Tickets start at $22. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.