Neighbours casts Meyne Wyatt as first indigenous actor in a main role
The Australian soap opera has been accused of being 'whitebread' in its casting
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Popular Australian soap opera Neighbours has cast its first indigenous actor in a substantial role since the show began in 1985.
The country has been accused of being “whitebread” on stage and screen and, as such, is making effort to widen opportunities for people from all backgrounds and promote cultural diversity.
Meyne Wyatt, 24, will play non-indigenous character Nate Kinski in an ongoing role. Nate is loosely linked to Susan Kennedy, who was once married to his uncle.
Filming with Wyatt has started in Melbourne, but Channel Ten insist that the casting decision was not based on his background.
“While cultural diversity is definitely important, in cases where we don’t need a specific ethnic background, our brief to agents is to put forward their best people and that was the case for this character,” said Jason Herbison, Neighbours series producer.
“Meyne is an exceptional, young, award-winning actor and very much on the radar of casting directors. From his first audition, we knew we had found the best actor for the role.”
Wyatt is not the first indigenous actor ever to appear in the soap. Tony Briggs, who later wrote hit play The Sapphires, guest-starred as sports-loving bank clerk Pete Baxter during the late Eighties, alongside Kylie Minogue and Jason Donavan.
Briggs has spoken before about his casting experiences, telling New Zealand website Stuff that he feels “Aboriginal people are not welcoming in the living room”.
“I just want audiences to see us represented as we really are, with humour and laughter and an open-hearted family life – that’s our mob,” he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments