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.
Blak in the Room
Bear witness to the creation of new First Peoples stories for the stage
Join us for Blak in the Room and bear witness to the creation of new First Peoples stories for the stage with performances running from 27 November to 7 December, 2024.
Blak in the Room sees ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company partner up to present three new works written by emerging playwrights Isobel Morphy-Walsh, Phoebe Grainer, and Maurial Spearim, developed through ILBIJERRI’s BlackWrights program.
The first piece in this series takes us to a watering hole, the second invites us to a wake, and the third opens up the universe, asking us to peek inside. Each work showcases the rich diversity of First Peoples voices, cultures, and experiences.
Blak in the Room is a celebration of Blak Theatre, sharing the next wave of First Peoples stories. The next generation of blak storytellers will take over Southbank Theatre for two weeks to celebrate contemporary form and Culture. Grounded in blak ways of working with strength, vulnerability and a deep understanding of storytelling that has been shared for time immemorial. An amalgamation of past present and future colliding.
Gunawarra Re-creation
by Isobel Morphy-Walsh
This work looks at the continuation of creation and the stories of Blak women healing.
A Wake – A Woke Mob
by Maurial Spearim
This Blak Comedy will have you laughing even after you're dead.
Emu in the Sun
by Phoebe Grainer
A story about overcoming the darkness and reminding us of what we are really made of.
CREATIVES
Writer Phoebe Grainer (Kuku Djungan, Muluridji, Wakaman, Tagalaka, Kunjen, Warrgamay, Yindinji)
Writer Maurial Spearim (Gamilaraay, Muruwari)
Writer Isobel Morphy-Walsh (Nirim Baluk)
Director Amy Sole (Wiradjuri, Worimi)
Director Rachael Maza (Yidinji, Meriam)
Director Kamarra Bell-Wykes (Yagera, Butchulla)
Producer Joel Te Teira (Māori - Ngāti Maniapoto)
Set Designer Dann Barber
Lighting Designer Katie Sfetkidis
Sound Designer James Henry (Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, Yorta Yorta and Yuin)
Images Benny Clark, 2024
Group Image Benny Clark, 2024, with adapted elements from Gart-Gart Gurruk ba Waa, by Murrupuk Art, 2024
