We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders, Ancestors and leaders of the Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is based.
We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, recognising their resilience and ongoing connection to land, water and culture, despite ongoing colonial interruption and genocide.
Always was, always will be, sacred Indigenous land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be advised that this website may contain images of deceased persons.
THE LINE
An innovative time-bending performance piece, THE LINE is as much about the future as it is the past.
On October 7th, 1830 more than 2,200 soldiers and settlers reported to seven pre-arranged locations across “Van Dieman’s” land to execute the largest domestic military operation in Australian history. The plan—to form a human chain across the entire island, advancing gradually to forcefully displace Palawa people—later became known as ‘The Black Line’. In this major new work, award-winning Trawlwoolway and Palawa playwright Nathan Maynard shines an unflinching light on the violence that stretches from the Frontier Wars through to the present.
As ‘The Black Line’ cuts across the country, widowed settler Jane and her Palawa servant Muka find themselves in the eye of the storm brewing around them. Living on a remote property, their volatile yet symbiotic relationship will be pushed to extremes. While anchored in the past, Maynard’s propulsive and ambitious show is far from a simple period piece: it leaps and loops across time, Country, and form.
Prepare for a journey that is at once playful, devastating, and transformational. Co-directed by Maynard and Dr Rachael Maza AM. THE LINE is anything but straight.
“[Maynard] blends ancient and contemporary culture with rambunctious charm.”
– The Age“Maza's achievements have left an indelible mark on the Australian theatre landscape.”
– National Indigenous Times
2027 TOUR
Sydney Festival
Gadigal Country
Sydney
21–24 January
Theatre Royal Hobart
Lutruwita
Nipaluna
18–20 March
Naarm
Melbourne
June
National Library of Australia an23182428
THE LINE has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., commissioned by RISING Melbourne, Sydney Festival and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company.
THE LINE has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts Program and Creative Australia’s Creative Futures Fund; and is supported by the Equity Trustees Equity and Empowerment Program.
THE LINE has been created in association with Performing Lines and collaborating partner The University of Melbourne.
THE LINE was initially developed by Nathan Maynard and Cliff Dolliver with the support of Black Hole Theatre.
CAST
Muka Ella Ferris (Taribelang)
Jane Emily Goddard
Hammond Corey Saylor-Brunskill (Meriam)
Jameson Ari Maza Long (Yidinji, Meriam)
Tucker Tibian Wyles (Warrgamay, Girramay and Kalkadoon)
Palana Carly Sheppard (Wallangamma and Takalaka)
Waypa / Ensemble
Luke Currie-Richardson (Kuku Yalanji, Djabugay, Mununjali, Butchulla, and Meriam)
Puppeteer / Ensemble
Scout McDonald
CREATIVES
Writer Nathan Maynard (Trawlwoolway)
Co-Directors Nathan Maynard and Dr Rachael Maza AM (Meriam, Yidinji, Dutch)
Dramaturg Andrea James (Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai)
Set and Costume Designer Richard Roberts
Associate Set & Costume Designer Sky Maynard (Palawa)
Video Designer Sean Bacon
Video Co- Designer
Emma Holgate (Mandubarra)
Lighting Designer Karen Norris (Moriori Māori)
Sound Designer James Henry (Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, Yorta Yorta, Yuin)
Associate Sound Designer
Clay Maynard (Palawa)
Puppetry Design Cliff Dolliver, with Terrapin
Puppet Fabrication Cliff Dolliver
Puppetry Direction & Dramaturgy Terrapin
Associate Puppetry Director Scout McDonald
Movement Director
Luke Currie-Richardson
Elder and Story Consultant
Uncle Jim-puralia Everett-meenamatta
Photography Tiffany Garvie (Gunggari)
Senior Producer Geoffrey Masters (Bidjara / Yuwaalaraay)
Producer
Joel Te Teira (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Hikairo)
IN ASSOCIATION WITH PERFORMING LINES
Senior Producer / Community Lead Sinsa Mansell (Pakana)
Senior Production Manager Nick Glen
THE LINE contains content which audience members may find confronting. This includes depictions of colonial violence, strong profanity, frequent coarse language, the forced removal of children, sexual assault and genocide. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audience members are advised that images and themes in this production may cause distress.
