An Ensemble Theatre Production
By Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Wesley Enoch

This is a story of strength, resistance, hope and possibility

Over 150 years ago, 13 brave Aboriginal men in Western Victoria picked up their cricket bats and embarked on a treacherous voyage to England and into the unknown – all in the name of sport. Risking illness and persecution, Australia’s first international cricket team – including Australia's first Indigenous sporting hero, Johnny Mullagh – amazed the English crowds with astonishing talent, personality and grit. They should have returned to Australia as celebrated heroes. Instead they came back to find the world they once knew was no longer there.

Inspirational story of Australia's First XI

This is not just a story about cricket – this is story of strength, resistance, hope and possibility. When a group of young present-day activists sneak into the Wimmera Discovery Centre to expose the truth of what happened to Johnny and his team mates, a hidden legend of triumph and tragedy unfolds. Funny and incredibly moving, Black Cockatoo is a new artistic collaboration between iconic Australian writer Geoffrey Atherden (Mother and Son, Babakiueria) and former Sydney Festival Artistic Director Wesley Enoch (Black Diggers).

Recommended age 12yrs+.

Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences are advised that this show contains depictions of people who have died.

CAST INCLUDES
Joseph Althouse (Wunujaka)
Colin Smith (Jagera)

Mema Munro (Marriamu)

Aaron McGrath (Johnny Mullagh)

PLAYWRIGHT
Geoffrey Atherden 
DIRECTOR
Wesley Enoch (Noonuccal Nuugi)
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Yolande Brown (Bidjara Clan)
CULTURAL CONSULTANT
Uncle Richard Kennedy (Wotjobaluk Traditional Owner
and Descendant of First XI Team Member, Dik-a-Dik)
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER
Richard Roberts
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Trent Suidgeest
COMPOSER & SOUND DESIGNER
Steve Francis
DRAMATURG
Jane Fitzgerald

Image credit:  Christian Trinder

Start your theatre experience with a sumptuous 3 Course Meal at Deco Wine Bar & Restaurant. 

If the Dinner or lunch is available in conjunction with the show you are seeing then the Dinner Deal will pop up during your online sales transaction.

Deco Dinner as an add on to your show ticket goes off sale the morning of the performance for weekday shows and off sale on Friday mornings for the weekend events. Please contact Deco Wine Bar & Restaurant directly on 6766 7260 to make a reservation after this time.