2027
2027 Theatre Royal Season
First Nations
Theatre
ILBIJERRI Theatre Company

THE LINE

By Nathan Maynard
18 - 20 Mar 2027 (3 performances)
Thu 18 Mar 2027 7:30 pm
Fri 19 Mar 2027 7:30 pm
Sat 20 Mar 2027 7:30 pm
Theatre Royal
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Premiere Season

Against the backdrop of ‘The Black Line’, widowed settler Jane and Palawa servant Muka are drawn into a struggle of survival, power and interdependence. Moving between past and present, THE LINE is an ambitious theatrical work that challenges how we understand our history and imagine our future.

A major new work from acclaimed Palawa playwright, Nathan Maynard, THE LINE is a re-telling of the Frontier Wars in Lutruwita/Tasmania which splices from the past through to the present. This work is far from a simple period piece: it leaps and loops across time, Country, and form. 

Innovative and time-bending, THE LINE is as much about the future as it is the past.  

Co-directed by Nathan Maynard and Dr Rachael Maza AM.

[Maynard] blends ancient and contemporary culture with rambunctious charm.

The Age

Opening Night Event: Thu 18 Mar 2027, post show
All ticket holders for that evening welcome. 

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 & 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 & Story Consultant | Uncle Jim-puralia Everett-meenamatta
Photography | Tiffany Garvie (Gunggar)
Senior Producer (ILBIJERRI) | Geoffrey Masters (Bidjara / Yuwaalaraay)
Producer (ILBIJERRI) | Joel Te Teira (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Hikairo)

In association with Performing Lines
Community Lead / Senior Producer (Performing Lines TAS) | Sinsa Mansell (Pakana)
Senior Production Manager | Nick Glen

Image
A 4-by-4 collage on a dark grid with a red border, featuring portraits of four people alongside close-up images of bread, a handgun, a clocked phone, and an illustrated manuscript. The collage has a stark, moody visual style, with the white “TR” logo in the upper-left corner.
Image
A white background featuring a collection of black logos and text. At the top left is “Produced by” followed by the ILBIJERRI Theatre Company logo. Below, “Supported by” appears above logos for the Australian Government, Creative Australia, Creative Victoria, and the Australian Government Indigenous Languages and Arts program. Further down are the logos for CAIAF, Sydney Festival, RISING, Performing Lines, the University of Melbourne, and Equity Trustees, including Australian Executor Trustees. The logos ar
This project 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 partners The University of Melbourne.
Tickets

Stalls & Dress Circle 

   Full   Conc
Premium   | $80  
A Reserve  | $75   | $70
B Reserve   | $70   | $65
C Reserve | $65   | $60
Gallery   
Premium   | $80
A Reserve  | $65
B Reserve   | $65
C Reserve | $65

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Duration

90 mins (no interval)

Patron Advice
  • Recommended for ages 16+
  • Contains strong language and profanities, the use of replica firearms, haze, flashing lights and theatrical smoke.
  • Depictions of colonial violence, 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.

If this material brings up difficult feelings or if you need someone to talk to, support is available:

  • 13Yarn: Call 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
  • Lifeline Australia: Call 13 11 14 (24/7 confidential crisis support)
  • Support Act Wellbeing Helpline: Call 1800 959 500 (Free, confidential 24/7 support dedicated to arts and entertainment workers)

For wheelchair, accessible seating and Companion Card bookings, please contact our Box Office on (03) 6146 3300 or boxoffice@theatreroyal.com.au