Based on the story of legendary First Nations cricketer, Johnny Mullagh, and Australia’s first international sporting team, this is a story of strength, resistance, hope and possibility.
Funny and incredibly moving, Black Cockatoo is a new artistic collaboration between iconic Australian writer Geoffrey Atherden (Mother and Son, Babakiueria) and recent Sydney Festival Artistic Director Wesley Enoch (Black Diggers, The 7 Stages of Grieving). Black Cockatoo is at Griffith Regional Theatre on Tuesday 3 May 2022.
More than 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.
This is not just a story about cricket, this is a story of the strength and resilience of these men and the hope and possibility they carried with them.
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 teammates, a hidden legend of triumph and tragedy unfolds.
Director Wesley Enoch said, “Australian Cricket is full of characters and stories. Few would know about the first-ever Australian team to tour to England. Telling neglected stories is what theatre does well.”
“The decision to have an all-Indigenous cast, where the actors play all roles including white English characters, is a way of owning the whole story and providing a commentary on race politics. Actors switch seamlessly from actors today, Aboriginal characters in 2018, and a range of characters in 1868. Time and place are fluid as we connect the past, present, and future to tell this story,” said Enoch.
This funny and moving play stars Joseph Althouse, Phoebe Grainer, Kyle Shilling, Colin Smith, Mema Munro and Aaron McGrath.
Acting Manager of Griffith Regional Theatre, Marg Andreazza, said “If you want to see a wonderful piece of theatre you’re sure to enjoy this show, especially if you’re a fan of cricket. We cannot wait to have Black Cockatoo on stage and we’re also excited to have Kyle Shilling back in Griffith. Some of you might remember his stellar performance in Sunshine Super Girl.”
Black Cockatoo, at Griffith Regional Theatre on Tuesday 3 May, is an Ensemble Theatre production and is recommended for ages 12 and up. Theatre members can bring a friend for free, and tickets can be purchased from the Box Office, by calling 6962 8444 or visiting
Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences are advised that this show contains depictions of people who have died.
