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.
Blak in the Room – Free Events
Alongside three new productions, join us for a vibrant line-up of free events, including live music, rich conversation and a chance to gather and celebrate the next generation of Blak storytellers.
BLAK IN THE LOUNGE
A visual art exhibition curated by Melbourne Theatre Company’s Deadly Creatives and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company’s BlackStage creatives. Featuring work from artists Natasha Carter, Ella Clarke-King, Stone Motherless Cold, Emma Holgate and Emma Salmon.
DATES:
WED 27 NOV, SAT 30 NOV, WED 4 DEC, SAT 7 DEC
4pm—8pm
The Lounge, Level 2, Southbank Theatre
ALL OTHER DAYS IN THE SEASON 28 NOV – 6 DEC
5pm—8pm
The Lounge, Level 2, Southbank Theatre
WEAVING WORKSHOP
Come and try weaving with Cassie Leatham, Taungurung/Dja Dja Wurrung artist, master weaver, and educator, as she guides you through techniques for the art of weaving. Drop in to check out the Blak in the Lounge exhibition and stay to make something of your own.
DATES:
WED 27 NOV
4.30pm—6pm, 7pm—8pm
The Lounge, Level 2, Southbank Theatre
SAT 30 NOV
4.30pm—6pm, 7pm—8pm
The Lounge, Level 2, Southbank Theatre
Participants are invited to attend at any time across the session and stay for as long as desired. Bookings not required.
THE FUTURE OF BLAK THEATRE
What does it mean to authentically present First Peoples’ stories on stage? Join Amy Sole, Isobel Morphy-Walsh, Andrea James and Jennifer Medway for this conversation that celebrates the vibrant tapestry of First People’s stories as part of MPavilion’s Home Ground program.
DATE:
FRI 29 NOV
4.30pm—5.30pm
MPavilion, Queen Victoria Gardens, Opposite the National Gallery of Victoria
This event is free, but bookings are recommended.
Presented in collaboration with MPavilion, an initiative of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation
IN CONVERSATION: HEALING AND STORY
Join ILBIJERRI Theatre Company Artistic Director, Rachael Maza, playwright, director and actor Glenn Shea, actor and playwright Maurial Spearim (A Wake – A Woke Mob), and playwright Isobel Morphy-Walsh (Gunawarra Re-Creation) for a yarn about the storytelling, connection, and healing.
DATE:
SAT 30 NOV
4.30pm—5.15pm
Level 1 Foyer, Southbank Theatre
This event is free but bookings are recommended.
MUSIC BY MOB
Enjoy live music and immerse yourself in the acoustic sounds and stories of First Nations songwriters while you relax between shows.
DATE:
WED 4 DEC
4.30pm—6pm
Level 1 Foyer, Southbank Theatre
No bookings necessary
IN CONVERSATION: SOVEREIGNTY AND PROCESS
Join artist, curator, and academic, Tiriki Onus, writer and director and Blak in the Room creator, Amy Sole, playwright Isobel Morphy-Walsh (Gunawarra Re-Creation) and actor and writer, Phoebe Grainer (Emu in the Sun) for a yarn about playwriting and First Nations sovereignty in the creative process.
DATE:
SAT 7 DEC
4.30pm—5.15pm
Level 1 Foyer, Southbank Theatre
This event is free but bookings are recommended
Blak in the Room Audience responses
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
