Publisher's synopsis
This is a proud milestone in Australian theatre history; a contemporary Indigenous performance text from the highly acclaimed Kooemba Jdarra. Appropriating western forms whilst using traditional storytelling, it gives emotional insight into Murri life. This one-woman show follows the journey of an Aboriginal ‘Everywoman’ as she tells poignant and humorous stories of grief and reconciliation. A powerful, demanding and culturally profound text, The 7 Stages of Grieving is a celebration of Indigenous survival, an invitation to grieve publicly, a time to exorcize pain. It has a universal theme told through the personal experiences of one incredible character.
Wesley Enoch is a writer and director for the stage. He was the Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre Company from 2010 to 2015 and is the current Artistic Director at the Sydney Festival. He hails from Stradbroke Island (Minjeribah) and is a proud Noonuccal Nuugi man.
Previously Wesley has been the Artistic Director at Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts; Artistic Director at Ilbijerri Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Theatre Co-operative and the Associate Artistic Director at Belvoir Street Theatre. Wesley’s other residencies include Resident Director at Sydney Theatre Company from 2000 – 2001; the 2002 Australia Council Cite Internationale des Arts Residency in Paris and the Australia Council Artistic Director for the Australian Delegation to the 2008 Festival of Pacific Arts. He was creative consultant, segment director and indigenous consultant for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Bio: Playlab Theatre
Deborah Mailman is one of Australia’s most popular and successful actors who received national acclaim in 1998 winning both the AFI and Film Critics’ Circle Award for most outstanding actress for her portrayal of ‘Nona’ in the film Radiance. Since then she has worked extensively in film, television and theatre and is most recognised for her role as ‘Kelly’ in the television series The Secret Life of Us. Her other television credits include lead guest roles in Rush, The Alice and Bryan Brown’s Two Twisted. Deborah was also a regular television presenter, hosting Playschool and Message Sticks for the ABC and Lonely Planet’s Going Bush with Catherine Freeman for SBS. Film credits include Dear Claudia, The Monkey’s Mask, Phillip Noyce’s Rabbit-Proof Fence, Ana Kokkinos’ The Book of Revelation, The Lucky Miles, and most recently Rachel Perkins’ Bran Nue Dae which premiered at the 2009 Melbourne International Film Festival.
Bio: Playlab Theatre