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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.
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Because We're Blak
by Melody Dia
May 27 – 30, 2026 The Gimme Gimme Bar, Broome WA
Presented by GOOLARRI MEDIA ENTERPRISES in co-production with ILBIJERRI Theatre Company.
ABOUT THE SHOW
BECAUSE WE'RE BLAK is a fast paced comic drama that follows hard-pressed single parent Fran as she ferries her teenagers and various family members endlessly around town in her spotless Troopy. It's Her Car, Her Rules! Developed in Broome with Goolarri Media’s groundbreaking First Nations Writers program, with the support of ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, Because We’re Blak brings us a thrilling voice from the Kimberley, Melody Dia.
‘Like so many Broome mob, our families are Indigenous and mixed with other cultures that arrived here over the last century. My stories are interwoven with the history and influences that have shaped Broome to what it is today and, I love the local essence of the community borne from a lot of cultures but still intrinsically connected to the Aboriginal heritage of this land.’
— Melody Dia (Nyul Nyul, Indonesian, Indian, Gudiya), Writer, Because We’re Blak
Fran is angry, and post Voice referendum she is even angrier. But to the bemusement of her family, she's also trying to organise her biggest party yet when it's not even her birthday, and she won't say why. Inspired by a real-life incident, Because We're Blak packs a visceral punch. Capturing the idioms and struggles of ordinary people in Broome, it tackles contemporary issues of racism, policing and generational divide, with the author’s trademark Blak humour and pathos.Dia invites us into the world of an Indigenous family in a remote town, through a lens that is not only joyous and affirming, but looks to a shared future determined by their own actions.
‘This play, with such beautiful relatable characters, is funny but serious. It’s brimming with life and real issues that we all recognise.’
— Dr Rachael Maza AM (Yidinji, Meriam and Dutch), Director.
2024 Development Interviews
Presented by Goolarri Media Enterprises and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company
Writer Melody Dia (Nyul Nyul)
Director Dr Rachael Maza AM (Yidinji, Meriam and Dutch)
Assistant Director Kimberley Benjamin (Yawuru, Bardi & Kija)
Dramaturgs Amy Sole (Wiradjuri/Worimi) and Mari Lourey
Cast
Roxanne McDonald (Mandandanji, Darambal and Wangan) as Fran
Melodie Reynolds-Diarra (Wongatha, Nadju, Mirning) as Winnie
Shontane Farmer (Noongar and Yamatji) as Sophie
Tre Maclou (Kalkadoon/South African [Khoi-San] ) as Bud
Peter Docker as Jeff (Guddiya born on Wiilman Boodja)
Set and Costume Design Emily Barrie
Costume Design Associate Rika Hamaguchi (Yawuru, Bunuba, Bardi and Jaru)
Video Design Sean Bacon
Composer and Sound Design Gary Watling (Wiradjuri)
Lighting Design Mark Haslam
Stage Manager Kira Feeney (Palawa)
Production Manager Mark Haslam
Producers:
Jodie Bell (Butchella and Jagera), Goolarri Media Enterprises CEO & Senior Producer
Mari Lourey, Creative Producer, Goolari Media Enterprises
Geoffrey Masters (Bidjara / Yuwaalaraay), Senior Producer, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company
